Nickelodeon Russia, a unit of Viacom International Media Networks, announced SpongeBob SquarePants, the iconic character from Nickelodeon’s global hit series, is coming to Moscow in a new and glamorous way. ‘Absorbent: A SpongeBob Exhibit’, a unique and immersive modern art exhibition presented by Nickelodeon working in partnership with Beeline, will be offered free-of-charge to visitors from September 16 to October 2, 2011 at the Flacon Design Plant, Moscow.
Photo: www.nickelodeon.ru
As Russia’s first-ever interactive SpongeBob exhibition, ‘Absorbent: A SpongeBob Exhibit’, developed by global design consultancy FITCH, will invite visitors to see firsthand how Nickelodeon’s most famous character has influenced fashion, culture and modern media. Fans (big and small) will have the opportunity to view fashion and art installations inspired by SpongeBob’s positive, happy-go-lucky perspective, as well as a multimedia zone dedicated to the world’s most famous sponge. In addition to this, the fun and bold exhibition will provide young visitors with a range of opportunities for creative and educational growth through a number of workshops—all featuring the sponge that has become a global phenomenon.
To mark the opening of ‘Absorbent: A SpongeBob Exhibit’, Nickelodeon will host an exclusive auction with all funds raised going to the Naked Heart Foundation, a children’s charity headed by supermodel Natalia Vodianova, to build playgrounds across Russia and develop programs for children with special needs. As part of the Naked Heart Foundation partnership, exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to donate to the foundation by purchasing one-of-a-kind charity bracelets. Nickelodeon will also help create Russia’s first ever SpongeBob SquarePants themed playground, to be built in one of the orphanages the Naked Heart Foundation supports. Fans will get a sneak peek of the playground at the exhibit.
Nicholas Walters, VP General Manager, Viacom International Media Networks Russia and CIS, said, “SpongeBob has a staggering level of awareness and popularity in Russia, and ‘Absorbent: A SpongeBob Exhibit’ is a special way of sharing this beloved character with Moscow-based fans of all ages. We’re delighted to be partnering with Natalia Vodianova and the Naked Heart Foundation, and are proud to support this amazing organization’s commendable work.”
“We are happy to partner with Nickelodeon, a brand that recognizes the importance of play and knows how to bring smiles to kids’ faces. Play is a necessity, not a luxury. It is through play that children at a very early age engage with the world around them. A child’s greatest achievements are possible in play, achievements that tomorrow will form the foundations of their social interactions,” said Natalia Vodianova.