# Hidden Art Presents 'The Matchbox Project' Lets You Bid On Mystery Gifts in Mini Boxes By Cowbag | Published 2009-04-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiding-presents-for-art-the-matchbox-project References: [cakeheadlovesevil](http://cakeheadlovesevil.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/matchbox-project/) & [blurty](http://www.blurty.com/users/matchboxproject) The Matchbox Project is a really simply community art initiative based on using matchboxes of all types. The idea is that each week a [decorated matchbox](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flutterbox) containing a [tiny present](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-spaces) is left in a public place somewhere in the world. The Matchbox Project started as a joke, but hundreds of different designs have since been created, even matchbox tuxedos. The new twist is taking this project online; you now no longer have to physically find a matchbox, you can [bid for ones you like online](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mischief-by-chester). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Community Art Initiatives:** There is an opportunity to leverage community art initiatives, like The Matchbox Project, that engage and unite people through creativity and art. - **Digitalizing Analog Experiences:** By digitizing analog experiences, such as bidding for matchboxes online, businesses can expand their reach beyond physical locations and offer new channels for customers to engage with their products and services. - **Gamification of Auctions:** Gamifying auctions, like the bidding process for matchboxes, can provide a more interactive and engaging customer experience while enhancing the perception of value and scarcity of the items being auctioned. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Culture:** Art and culture businesses can leverage community art initiatives, like The Matchbox Project, to engage and inspire customers while building stronger communities around shared passions. - **E-commerce:** E-commerce platforms can digitize analog experiences, such as bidding for matchboxes online, to create new channels for customers to engage with their products and services and reach new audiences. - **Auctions and Collectibles:** Auctions and collectibles businesses can gamify their bidding processes, like with The Matchbox Project, to create a more interactive and engaging customer experience while enhancing the perceived value and scarcity of their items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Quirky Trinket Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mystic-box.md) - [Blind Box Toy Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniso-store.md) - [Whisky Blind Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisky-blind-box.md) - [Charitable Music Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-mushroom-fairy-music-box.md) - [Pursemaker-Backed Blind Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/montana-west.md) - [Phone Case Blind Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-blind-box-sale.md) - [Curated Matcha Bundle Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-box.md) - [Mini Camera Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charmera.md) - [Hair Clip Blind Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emi-jay-blind-box.md)