La chiusura negli ultimi due anni di gran parte dei flag store e lo slittamento di tutte le release estive e autunnali ci avevano fatto temere il peggio per Kidrobot e aspettavamo con ansia segnali di ripresa.
La buona notizia di ieri è che Kidrobot è stata acquistata da NECA, noto produttore e distributore di giocattoli, e che il nuovo direttore creativo della società sarà l’artista e designer americano Frank Kozik, da sempre fra i promotori e i protagonisti della scena degli art toys.
Non vediamo l’ora di conoscere cosa bolle in pentola e come la nuova proprietà e direzione artistica rilanceranno Kidrobot.
Qui sotto il comunicato ufficiale, tratto dal blog di Kidrobot.
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URBAN VINYL ICON KIDROBOT JOINS NECA FAMILY OF COMPANIES
Will Again Be Run as an Artist-Driven Company Under the Creative Direction of Frank Kozik
Hillside, NJ – November 19, 2014 – In an announcement sure to bring cheers and tears of joy to die-hard fans and artists, KR Purchase, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association) and Kidrobot today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which KR Purchase will acquire Kidrobot. The globally recognized creator of designer vinyl toys joins the growing NECA family of specialty entertainment companies, and will proceed as an artist-run company under the creative direction of Frank Kozik, renowned graphic artist and creator of the Labbit urban vinyl toy line.
“It’s rare to have the opportunity to join forces with an artist-centric company like this,” said Joel Weinshanker, COO of NECA. “We are doubly thrilled to be able to allow it to grow organically and flourish on its own, which is what we’re certain it will do with the involvement of Frank Kozik as Creative Director.”
“When Joel and NECA approached us about joining forces, about his intention to support us and allow Kidrobot to move forward with autonomy, I knew we had found the right partner,” said Bob Africa, President of Kidrobot. “The timing of Frank agreeing to join us could not have been better and we are incredibly excited about Kidrobot’s future.”
Kidrobot will remain headquartered in their Boulder offices, while they are supported by NECA’s (located in Hillside, NJ) vast network of suppliers, creatives and internal team members.
About NECA
National Entertainment Collectibles Association Inc. is a media and entertainment company operating in the United States and internationally, with three segments: Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment and Online Retail/Digital Distribution. NECA is the leading designer, marketer, and worldwide distributor of licensed entertainment consumer goods based on some of the world’s most established and beloved properties, providing products across all consumer categories and distribution channels. Together, NECA’s divisions provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution to elevate each property, maximizing exposure and reach, while protecting the vision of the creator. As a result of NECA’s singular passion and reverence for the intellectual property backing its products, some of this generation’s most recognized content creators enjoy working with NECA, allowing us to help bring their vision to their audience. For additional information, visit www.necaonline.com.
About Kidrobot
Founded in 2002, Kidrobot is acknowledged worldwide as the premier creator and dealer of limited edition art toys, signature apparel and lifestyle accessories. An innovative cross between sculpture and conceptual art, Kidrobot offers not only a powerful medium for today’s international fashion designers, illustrators and graffiti artists, but also the creative canvas for emerging street trends and pop art. For additional information, visit Kidrobot.com.
