Over the last two seasons the Portland Trail Blazers have commissioned Game Night Posters, producing a limited run of prints for each home game. Local artists get a chance to showcase their work, while the Blazers get an exclusive collectible to sell in their team shop. Everybody wins.
The exercise grew quickly from cute concept to bankable trend. Scott Cacciola of the New York Times profiled that growth in an article today, looking at the advantages from all sides.
As Cacciola relates, making a name in an arena venue can boost the profile of otherwise-hidden artists.