The Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix

The Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides leadership development, volunteerism, training and recognition to individuals, arts groups and businesses seeking to create a greater arts and cultural community in the valley. Their largest annual fundraising event is the Business in the Arts Awards Breakfast that recognizes arts supporters for their work. Although the event had a few loyal supporters, it lacked a brand and the marketing tools necessary to gain much needed community awareness and financial support. In 2003, we met with the organization's executive director to discuss developing an event brand relevant to its mission. Since then, we have been helping the organization develop a unique graphic approach for all the event marketing material, from invitations and raffle tickets, to print ads, websites and programs. In 2007, we started developing similar marketing tools for Martinis & Masterpieces, a cocktail reception built around a live auction of celebrity doodles and local artists' masterpieces.

THE RESULT

The Business in the Arts Awards Breakfast is now an occasion sought-after by sponsors and attendees. It has become such a memorable experience that attendees collect the event invitations and proudly display them at their desks, helping the organization build even more awareness. Each year has been more successful than the previous – "The Wizard of Arts" event alone drew in over 500 supporters from the arts & business community.

The event website drastically improved the fundraising efforts, offering sponsors more exposure and allowing the purchase of tickets and sponsorships with secure online shopping carts.

Although a much newer event, Martinis & Masterpieces has had a steady 10% increase in attendance in its first few years of inception, becoming more and more popular amongst the arts and business community. The event website has become a valuable tool to create awareness and drive tickets sales.

In 2010, the Annual Martinis & Masterpieces event had a 15% increase in attendees from the previous year and the feedback was stellar.

"Our experience in working with Davidson & Belluso has been one of sheer delight. This firm has been assisting the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix since 2003, providing consultative services, collateral and website design for our major fundraising events. Because of them, our community visibility and branding has grown to a much greater level. Davidson & Belluso is the most professional, "can-do" company in town. I recommend everyone do themselves a favor and work with them just once...you will definitely come back."
– Debbie Paine, Executive Director, The Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix

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