The Artvertiser is a software and hardware platform for replacing billboard advertisements with art in real-time. It works by teaching a computer system to 'recognise' individual advertisements so they can be easily replaced with alternative content, like images and video. Rather than referring to it as a form of Augmented Reality technology, we consider The Artvertiser an example of Improved Reality. An instrument of conversion and reclamation, it situates the 'read-only', proprietary imagery of our public spaces as a 'read-write' platform for the presentation of non-proprietary, critically engaging content.

The Artvertiser exists in hardware form as a Billboard Interception Unit, a custom-made hand-held binocular-like device for high-quality immersive advertisement substitution in public space.

The project was initiated by Julian Oliver in February 2008 and has been developed in collaboration with Damian Stewart and Arturo Castro (Android port/rewrite). It has been presented in full working form in street exhibitions in Berlin as part of Transmediale 2010, in Brussels for the Europe wide Media Facades Festival, in four inner-city walks during Rotterdam's Image Festival and in Helsinki as part of an M-CULT public event and workshop.

The Artvertiser is also a free-software project and runs on Linux, Windows, OS X and Android systems.