We decided early on that developing a clear and relatable identity for the program was key to building familiarity and affinity among the cohort. Given the diversity of the cohort, whether based on geography or art genre, we wanted the organizations to feel equal, welcomed, and inspired to be active participants. To accomplish this it was essential to give careful thought not only to the design and development of materials, but also to the experience participants would have in learning and collaborating with peers. As a result of the program, a new network of staff from various arts organizations was formed in Chicago.
We also developed an online community that allowed participants to engage and interact with each other in their learning experience. This provided LimeRed a space to communicate with grantees directly and provide access to resources and materials.
Each grantee was given an opportunity to examine their unique organizational challenges with LimeRed through two-hour sessions. Overall, we provided nearly 50 hours of direct consultation. After many one-on-one strategy sessions, grantees began seeing the bigger picture and opportunities to scale their operations to include more viable solutions for their organization. The major outcome of these sessions was that organization staff members learned theories and tactics they were able to put into practice.
Upon completion of our workshop and one-one-one sessions, LimeRed spent time writing, compiling, and curating all the various resources developed in our sessions into a 50 page guide and workbook. All participants received the guidebook, A Communications Guide for Small Arts Organizations Making a Big Impact, to support their work.
The book includes both essays and activities that cover the three key areas covered in the program, including; Branding, Marketing Communications Strategy and Research, and Communications Management.