Art Windsor-Essex
Art Windsor-Essex
Art Windsor-Essex
Art Windsor-Essex
Change happens here.
Change happens here.
Change happens here.
Change happens here.
Client
Art Windsor-Essex
Art Windsor-Essex
Art Windsor-Essex
Services
Brand Strategy, Naming, Identity, Website, Content
Brand Strategy, Naming, Identity, Website, Content
Services
Brand Strategy, Naming, Identity, Website, Content
Year
2021
2021
Year
2021
Project Link
artwindsoressex.ca
Change happens here.
Art is transformative; it can lift spirits, inspire action, and connect communities. Established in 1943, The Art Gallery of Windsor has long aimed to be the catalyst for such transformation in the Windsor-Essex region. As a non-profit cultural cornerstone, it has always showcased pivotal works by local, regional, and national artists.
Change happens here.
Art is transformative; it can lift spirits, inspire action, and connect communities. Established in 1943, The Art Gallery of Windsor has long aimed to be the catalyst for such transformation in the Windsor-Essex region. As a non-profit cultural cornerstone, it has always showcased pivotal works by local, regional, and national artists.
The Enemy
Over the years, however, a distance grew between the gallery and the community it aimed to serve. Perceived as elitist and less accessible to younger audiences, the gallery faced the dilemma of waning interest. Additionally, the lure of the Detroit Institute of the Arts right across the bridge made it hard for Windsorites to see the value in their local gallery. Enter new leadership, armed with a rejuvenated vision and an appetite for change. They knew it was time to make "change happen."
The Enemy
Over the years, however, a distance grew between the gallery and the community it aimed to serve. Perceived as elitist and less accessible to younger audiences, the gallery faced the dilemma of waning interest. Additionally, the lure of the Detroit Institute of the Arts right across the bridge made it hard for Windsorites to see the value in their local gallery. Enter new leadership, armed with a rejuvenated vision and an appetite for change. They knew it was time to make "change happen."
The enemy
Over the years, however, a distance grew between the gallery and the community it aimed to serve. Perceived as elitist and less accessible to younger audiences, the gallery faced the dilemma of waning interest. Additionally, the lure of the Detroit Institute of the Arts right across the bridge made it hard for Windsorites to see the value in their local gallery. Enter new leadership, armed with a rejuvenated vision and an appetite for change. They knew it was time to make "change happen."
01
01
Change Happens Here
The mission was to inspire growth and community engagement through art. With that in mind, we brainstormed a name that would encompass both the community and the emotional impact of art. The result? Art Windsor-Essex, abbreviated as 'AWE,' encapsulating both geographical relevance and a sense of wonder.
The name change and it’s acronym AWE signalled great change to the community, and was quickly noticed.
Change Happens Here
The mission was to inspire growth and community engagement through art. With that in mind, we brainstormed a name that would encompass both the community and the emotional impact of art. The result? Art Windsor-Essex, abbreviated as 'AWE,' encapsulating both geographical relevance and a sense of wonder.
The name change and it’s acronym AWE signalled great change to the community, and was quickly noticed.
02
02
Change Is Exciting
Art is not monochromatic. So why should the gallery's brand be? Out with the old and dull, and in with a fresh palette that screams vibrancy and diversity. With a focus on engaging a younger audience, we introduced an energetic range of colours combined with a human sans-serif font, and a new pattern concept inspired by conversational wave forms—depicted through dots and lines—to give texture to the brand while letting the art remain the hero, resulting in a modern and inclusive brand identity.
Change Is Exciting
Art is not monochromatic. So why should the gallery's brand be? Out with the old and dull, and in with a fresh palette that screams vibrancy and diversity. With a focus on engaging a younger audience, we introduced an energetic range of colours combined with a human sans-serif font, and a new pattern concept inspired by conversational wave forms—depicted through dots and lines—to give texture to the brand while letting the art remain the hero, resulting in a modern and inclusive brand identity.
03
03
Digital Change — Where Function Meets Form
The old website was not just a digital brochure; it was also a crucial management tool for the gallery's extensive collection. We redesigned the website on a WordPress platform to allow ease of management and scalability. We also created a custom API to connect the site with their existing collection database. Now, the website is not just an eye-candy; it's an efficient utility that helps the organization run more smoothly.
Digital Change — Where Function Meets Form
The old website was not just a digital brochure; it was also a crucial management tool for the gallery's extensive collection. We redesigned the website on a WordPress platform to allow ease of management and scalability. We also created a custom API to connect the site with their existing collection database. Now, the website is not just an eye-candy; it's an efficient utility that helps the organization run more smoothly.
04
04
All Signs Point To AWE
Great art was housed within, but who would know when the exterior gave nothing away? The original signage was as uninspiring as it was ineffective. We revolutionized both outdoor and indoor signage to draw the public eye. Wayfinding was redesigned in collaboration with Allegra Printing, utilizing the bold new color palette and smart design principles to ensure an accessible and engaging visitor experience.
All Signs Point To AWE
Great art was housed within, but who would know when the exterior gave nothing away? The original signage was as uninspiring as it was ineffective. We revolutionized both outdoor and indoor signage to draw the public eye. Wayfinding was redesigned in collaboration with Allegra Printing, utilizing the bold new color palette and smart design principles to ensure an accessible and engaging visitor experience.
05
05
The Revival of Art in Windsor-Essex
Since the launch of the new brand and website, there's been a notable surge in both visits and memberships. The conversation about art in Windsor has rekindled, extending its reach not just within local circles but across the North American arts community.
With these efforts, Art Windsor-Essex isn't just a gallery; it's a community touchpoint, a conversation starter, and above all, a local institution Windsorites can be proud to call their own. How's that for a transformation?
The Revival of Art in Windsor-Essex
Since the launch of the new brand and website, there's been a notable surge in both visits and memberships. The conversation about art in Windsor has rekindled, extending its reach not just within local circles but across the North American arts community.
With these efforts, Art Windsor-Essex isn't just a gallery; it's a community touchpoint, a conversation starter, and above all, a local institution Windsorites can be proud to call their own. How's that for a transformation?
Working with Friends and Enemies on the rebrand of Art Windsor-Essex (formerly the Art Gallery of Windsor) was a dream. Their work exceeded our expectations – even though our expectations were high to begin with! They truly listened to us as a client. They worked hard to understand our needs, and worked well with key stakeholders on the project (staff, Board, and selected community members).
After our rebrand, we are seeing double our pre-COVID attendance, a more diverse audience, and an increase in community support for our work. Friends and Enemies helped us to materialize and embody our mission of inspiring growth through the power of art. Their work on our rebrand has been an important part of our journey towards becoming an art gallery for the 21st Century.
