The Insight
While they have a loyal and engaged community, most people in the region either didn’t know they existed or had the wrong perception that the center was a traditional, sleepy art center. The excitement of a new downtown location provided the right opportunity to clearly define Foothills Art Center’s vibrant brand and vision for the future.
The Journey
Then, inspiring and engaging fundraising campaign tools made the case for local philanthropists to invest in the ambitious plan. The campaign theme “Reconnect” invited donors to transform a symbol of Golden’s past into a new space that welcomes and connects people. It’s a call to action to connect the heart of Golden with the arts, giving their community the hub it needs to build a more creative, vibrant, and diverse future.
Once support had been galvanized, a dynamic visual identity and website launched the newly reinvented cultural center in a way that invited the entire community.
Foothills’ mission to make “everyone’s daily life more connected, culturally rich, and vibrant through art” comes alive through their visual identity and across their website. Bright colors give a sense of both liveliness and openness, with a pattern modeled after the foothills for which they are named.
The Impact
After employing the strategic plan, case for support, and rebranding, the art center raised the $6 million needed to take over the historic landmark building in downtown Golden. In that time fundraising events have increased in revenue by 500%, and in the six months since launch, they saw a 300% increase in participants in their arts classes.
The new Foothills Art Center has exceeded expectations, and draws in local foot traffic that deepens the experience of anyone now visiting Golden to see it as more than an outdoor escape and home to an iconic brewery.
Embarking on a new chapter for your nonprofit can be fraught with challenges. Having a true partner like Mission Minded to guide us every step of the way was transformative! Our new campaign materials, strategic plan, modern logo, and inviting website all speak with one voice to bring Foothills Art Center into a new era. Mission Minded helped us reestablish our role in the community and realize our greatest potential to serve.
Hassan Najjar, Executive Director, Foothills Art Center