Art not oil

In its third year, Art Not Oil is making a real mark on the protest scene with its 2006 exhibition gaining momentum. The campaign, which calls for artworks that showcase the harmful effects that the oil industry is having on the planet kicks off (just before the absurdly ironic Shell sponsored Wildlife Photographer of the Year award) in June. The exhibition aims to inspire awareness and positive action that flies in the industry’s well oiled but misleading advertising campaigns. Despite re-branding themselves Beyond Petroleum, BP last year planned to expand its oil production by 3.5%. This, coupled with the fact that less than 3% of its annual budget is invested in renewable energy sources, demonstrates the BP is certainly not thinking Beyond Petroleum – and for many, including the Art Not Oil team, their behaviour is beyond a joke. Judge for yourself. www.artnotoil.org.uk