Last month Corporate Watch wrote to the Association of Illustrators and the London Transport Museum to ask them to reconsider their decision to take sponsorship from Serco for their “Secret London” illustration prize, in light of the company's “horrendous track record” and the “controversies and protests” surrounding its management of 'public' services including immigration prisons and healthcare services (see the mail here).

Here is the reply we received from the Association of Illustrators. Note the lamentable absence of any reference to Serco's abuse of refugees.

Dear Corporate Watch,

For a number of years, the Association of Illustrators has worked in partnership with London Transport Museum to run an illustration competition that has generated an exciting and diverse range of illustration by entrants from across the world. Their work has reflected the inspiring and vibrant
culture and opportunities that London offers and the partnership provides an opportunity for illustrators at different stages of their career to showcase their work in an exhibition at London Transport Museum.

The sponsorship provided by Serco allows the Association of Illustrators and London Transport Museum to provide a cash award to the winning entrants and offers an invaluable platform to promote contemporary illustration. As a
registered charity, London Transport Museum relies on, and values, partnerships such as this. Serco make a positive contribution to London's transport through DLR, cycle hire and operation of the Woolwich Ferry.

London Transport Museum is proud of its association with Serco and appreciates their continued support of the Serco Prize for Illustration.

Yours sincerely,

The Association of Illustrators
2nd Floor, Back Building
150 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3AT
Tel: 020 7613 4328
Fax: 020 76134417
email: events@theaoi.com
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