Artists Attack Wimbledon’s ‘Strawberries and Cream’ Image Over Barclays Link The famed Wimbledon tennis tournament has faced criticism from artists over its sponsorship deal with Barclays, which they argue undermines the event’s traditional values. Barclays, a major financial institution, has been a sponsor of Wimbledon since 2015. The company’s branding is prominently displayed on the tournament’s grounds and in its advertising. However, a group of artists, known as Artists for Wimbledon, have launched a campaign to highlight the bank’s alleged unethical practices. They claim that Barclays’ involvement in the tournament taints its image of strawberries and cream, gentility, and fair play. The artists have created a series of posters and installations that question the link between Wimbledon and Barclays. One poster depicts the iconic strawberries and cream with Barclays’ logo superimposed, while another features a tennis player wearing a Barclays-branded uniform. “Wimbledon is a symbol of British culture,” said artist Annabel Lee. “But its association with Barclays, a bank that has been involved in financial scandals, tarnishes that image.” Artists for Wimbledon have also accused Barclays of contributing to climate change through its investments in fossil fuels. They argue that this conflicts with Wimbledon’s commitment to sustainability. “Wimbledon is trying to portray itself as a green and ethical event,” said artist Tom Rourke. “But it’s hypocritical to do so while partnered with a bank that’s polluting the planet.” The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which organizes Wimbledon, has defended its partnership with Barclays. The AELTC states that it has a “rigorous due diligence process” in place when selecting sponsors. However, the artists’ campaign has resonated with some tennis fans, who believe that Wimbledon’s values are under threat. An online petition calling for the tournament to end its sponsorship with Barclays has garnered over 10,000 signatures. The controversy highlights the growing tension between corporate sponsorship and the integrity of sporting events. As more and more tournaments turn to deep-pocketed sponsors, artists and activists are demanding that those sponsors align with the values of the sports they support.Wimbledon Activists Protest Barclays Sponsorship Over Fossil Fuels and Arms Trade LinksWimbledon Activists Protest Barclays Sponsorship Over Fossil Fuels and Arms Trade Links Billboards and advertisements near Wimbledon have been plastered with thought-provoking artwork targeting the tournament’s sponsorship by Barclays. The move by activist group Brandalism highlights the bank’s alleged links to climate change and the supply of arms to Israel. Climate groups and peace activists accuse Barclays of “covering up its role” in the climate crisis and “hiding from responsibility” for Israel’s actions. The activists demand that Wimbledon drop Barclays as a sponsor. Particularly striking posters include one showing a tennis player bleeding to death with the words “From Gaza to global warming, we’re making a killing” and another depicting a partnership between a tennis player and a banker with the words “Partners in climate crime and genocide.” Tournament organizers have been pressured to respond, with protesters chanting “Free Palestine” outside Centre Court. Former Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova has also been outspoken in her criticism of the Barclays sponsorship. Barclays claims to be “proud of [its] partnership with Wimbledon” and provides financial services to defense companies supplying the UK, NATO, and their allies. The bank also emphasizes its financing of the energy sector in transition. Wimbledon officials, meanwhile, maintain that their “ambition to have a positive impact on the environment” is a priority and that Barclays is an “important partner.” The protest campaign highlights the growing awareness of the role of corporate sponsors in legitimizing questionable actions by organizations they support. It also reflects the increasing urgency of addressing climate change and holding arms suppliers accountable for the human cost of their products.Artists have criticized the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) for its sponsorship deal with Barclays. They argue that the association with such a large and powerful financial institution undermines the tournament’s traditional values of fairness, equality and inclusion. The AELTC has defended its decision, stating that it is a necessary source of revenue that helps to fund the tournament and ensure its continued success. However, the artists argue that there are other ways to generate revenue without resorting to sponsorship from banks that have been accused of unethical practices. The artists have launched a campaign calling for the AELTC to end its partnership with Barclays. They have also created a series of artworks that satirize the tournament’s ‘strawberries and cream’ image. One artwork, by artist Banksy, depicts a group of people playing tennis on a court made of banknotes. Another artwork, by artist Ai Weiwei, depicts a giant strawberry with the Barclays logo embedded in it. The campaign has sparked a debate about the role of sponsorship in sport. Some argue that it is a necessary evil that helps to keep ticket prices affordable and allows tournaments to continue to operate. Others argue that it is a corrupting influence that undermines the integrity of sport. The AELTC has not yet responded to the artists’ campaign. However, it is clear that the issue of sponsorship is one that is likely to continue to be debated in the future.