Ogilvy China opens doors to new Ogilvy Digital Lab at O Gallery

Space fuses art, creativity and technology, immersing visitors in the future of marketing

BEIJING — Ogilvy & Mather China today announced the expansion of its Ogilvy Digital Lab and the opening of a new “Painting Meets Pixels” exhibition at O Gallery, the creative agency’s purpose-built art gallery. Ogilvy’s revamped space and digital showroom in Beijing blend art, commerce and technology, inspiring clients and staff to discover new and inventive ways to connect with consumers.

“It’s been said that advertising is the astonishing blend of art and commerce. And today it is a fusion of both of these and technology. So our simultaneous launch of the O Gallery exhibit and new Ogilvy Digital Lab is very special because it is symbolic of how Ogilvy views the future of advertising and marketing communications,” said Shenan Chuang, CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Greater China.

Ogilvy Digital Lab
The new Ogilvy Digital Lab features the most cutting-edge, innovative, beyond-the-desk digital technology available today. Essentially an experience center and digital showroom, clients and visitors will be able to learn about and experience first-hand advanced and emerging technologies such as augmented reality, mobile applications, interactive windows, digital tables, 3D wall projections and more.

The dedicated showroom will also be utilized for presentations, pitches, events and as a learning and creativity center for Ogilvy staff and visitors.

According to Chris Reitermann, President of OgilvyOne Greater China and O&M Group Shanghai, “The Digital Lab is a manifestation of Ogilvy’s innovation across the Group. It is a fusion of technology with creativity that allows us to immerse clients in the future of marketing by giving them a hands-on experience of the newest options in digital marketing and advertising.”

Reitermann says the Digital Lab will regularly change, update and display the latest and best there is in mobile, digital retail, out-of-home and gaming.

As well as being a showroom, the Digital Lab is also a dedicated team staffed by OgilvyOne employees. The team’s sole purpose is to push the limits of digital advertising by working with client teams across the Ogilvy Group in China to dream up innovative solutions for clients such as Lenovo, Tsingtao, Motorola and many more that have already integrated some of the digital solutions into their marketing programs.

“The Ogilvy Digital Lab Network has become a key strategic proposition within Ogilvy with physical labs in Beijing, London and New York, and dedicated Digital Lab teams in Singapore, Tokyo and Sao Paolo, with more to come,” said Paul Heath, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific, who joined the launch event in Beijing.

“The strategic placement of half of the Ogilvy Digital Labs in Asia signals the importance of this region as a growth market for emerging technologies,” added Heath.

Recently named “2010 Digital Agency of the Year” at Campaign Asia Pacific’s Digital Media Awards, OgilvyOne Beijing launched the original and smaller Digital Lab in Beijing in June 2009.

O Gallery
Under the theme “Painting Meets Pixels,” this exhibition – orchestrated by O Gallery curator Han Tsungwoo - features the work of five artists including Wu Jicong and Chi Peng who show a wide range of startling photography and video, while Lin Junxian’s paintings present a series of curious abstract expressions. Song Jiao’s paintings offer a new perspective on nature, while Lu Xi’s contemporary views on everyday life both surprise and entertain.

Since its establishment in September 2005, O Gallery has been a platform for discovering and fostering a diverse group of young talents from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Many of the dozens of artists that have showcased their work at O Gallery over the years have seen their careers and reputations blossom.

About Ogilvy & Mather
Ogilvy & Mather (www.ogilvy.com) is one of the largest marketing communications companies in the world. Through its specialty units, the company provides a comprehensive range of marketing services including: advertising; public relations and public affairs; branding and identity; shopper and retail marketing; healthcare communications; direct, digital, promotion, relationship marketing. Ogilvy & Mather services Fortune Global 500 companies as well as local businesses through its network of more than 450 offices in 120 countries. It is a WPP company (NASDAQ: WPPGY.) For more information, visit www.ogilvy.com.