Banksy to take top D&AD role?

Street artist Banksy is understood to be in talks with D&AD to take a senior role in the organisation, designweek.co.uk can reveal.

The controversial graffiti artist, who has never disclosed his true identity, is believed to have connections with the creative industries charity, which often keeps its own profile at close quarters.

D&AD, which has always used a yellow pencil as its logo, courted Banksy prior to its identity redesign by Rose. Banksy is particularly well known for his secretive work with spray cans, pens and pencils.

The anonymous graffiti guru has even been tipped by one industry blogger to fill the top job left vacant by the departure of former D&AD chief executive Michael Hockney last year.

Banksy has figured in Design Week’s Hot 50. His links with design include a commission by Bristol group Halo Media for its Destination Bristol campaign.

So far, however, the logistics of working with a creative figurehead who requires continuous ‘blacking out’ have caused proceedings to stall severely. It has been 12 months since Hockney’s departure from D&AD, the reasons for which have themselves not seen the light of day.