Joga Bonito on Queen

Nike has taken over 619 Queen West with an exhibition and silent auction featuring 8 foosball tables personalized by 8 Toronto area artists. There are tables representing a number of countries including Brazil, the Netherlands (above), Mexico and Australia.

It's all part of Nike's Joga Bonito (Portuguese for Play Beautiful) campaign, but I have to say the exhibit is done really well. It doesn't feel like Nike is trying to sell you something.

Aside from the 8 foosball tables, there are videoscreens showcasing interviews with the artists behind the designs; as well as a DJ spinning tunes on his Mac. The silent auction component allows anyone to bid on the tables between now and the exhibition's closing on June 16th. All tables are currently at $500 each, except for the Brazil one which has been bid up to $1000. Money raised goes toward scholarships at OCAD.

While the foosball tables are just for show, apparently there will be other ones brought in later this month that will be available for game play.