Melbourne hotel group turns guests in to art theives

The unique campaign, developed by Naked Communications, invites paying guests to seek out 'No Ball Games' (pictured), a print piece by world-reknowned street artist Banksy. The piece will rotate across the group's three hotels in Melbourne for one month from 15 December.

Guests who find the artwork are invited to attempt to steal it. The first guest who can take the piece off the property without arousing staff suspicion will be invited to keep it. Guests are allowed one "attempt" per day, with the piece returning to the wall whenever an attempt fails to get past security.

Matt Houltham, managing director of Naked Communications, Melbourne said the "StealBanksy" campaign had been a fun project to work on. "It’s always nice to twist convention on its head," he noted.

While admitting he was nervous about the idea, Will Deague, CEO of Art Series Hotels, said the game was an exciting way to show the group's support for the arts in Melbourne.

Guests will be briefed on the rules of the competition - which include a ban on any damage to the hotel or other artwork - on check in.