Creative Properties to License the Vatican Observatory Foundation
12/5/11
License Draws on Faith, Tradition, Inspiration, and Grandeur — Symbols of Science and Art embodying these elements
NEW YORK, NY – Creative Properties is pleased to announce that it is representing the Vatican Observatory Foundation for licensing in North America. The lifestyle brand is the only licensing program to carry the Vatican Observatory Foundation's imprimatur, and will incorporate elements of art, architecture, sculpture and historical artifacts to create quality products inspired by spirituality and religious tradition. This astronomical research institution, with a rich tradition of support by popes beginning in 1582 until the present and staffed by Jesuit astronomers, is one of the most important centers in the world for science and astronomy.
The property will be licensed under the authority of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, one of the world's oldest research institutions in astronomy. A portion of the proceeds from the licensing program will be used by the Vatican Observatory Foundation to fund education and research initiatives in the sciences and mathematics.
"Creative Properties is honored to represent, via the Vatican Observatory Foundation, one of the world's most revered and exalted symbols of faith, inspiration, and spirituality", said Steve Scebelo, principal and SVP New Business Development. "We're looking forward to creating and marketing a distinctive evergreen lifestyle brand that will be inspirational and uplifting and will be embraced by Catholics as well as the broader market of the faithful." There are 79 million Catholics in the US, making up in excess of 25 percent of the US population.
The initial program will focus on gifts and collectibles, publishing, stationery, home decor, housewares and selected toys. Creative Properties will also go beyond the traditional product categories to create innovative lines of mobile phone apps, digital accessories, e-commerce, and payment solutions. In addition, the program will seek to incorporate an experiential component including vacation tours and museum and mall exhibits.
"We believe that the glory and depth of the Vatican Observatory Foundation name and all that it represents will be the basis of a very powerful lifestyle statement that will resonate with the faithful," says Fr. George Coyne, SJ, president, Vatican Observatory Foundation and director emeritus, Vatican Observatory.
Licensees will have access to rich artistic, historical and cultural treasures to inspire product design. The line of devotional, scientific and historical products is expected to appeal to a very large and faithful consumer base who will appreciate the Vatican Observatory Foundation's seal of approval on high-quality merchandise. Each item will include a certificate of provenance and/or authenticity, identifying the source of its inspiration and adding to its educational value. Current Vatican Observatory Foundation licensees include Enesco for a non-exclusive gift line, Eternal Image for memorial products, Browntrout Publishers for calendars, and other major housewares and gift manufacturers.