Arts & Culture PR Agency

PR and Digital Marketing Services for the Arts & Culture Sector

We specialise in delivering the impactful media coverage that arts organisations deserve, befitting their role as enriching influences in all our lives. Cultural institutions are as integral to our economy, and society, as their financial and political counterparts – and we can help you showcase this.

Arts & Culture Communications

Effective communications has arguably never been more critical to cultural and arts organisations. Covid-19 has impacted everything from fine art and theatre to music and museums, and an industry that contributed  more than £10bn to the pre-pandemic economy now finds itself having to articulate its value as never before.

Moreover, this is also true of new entrants into the sector whose rise has been accelerated by the pandemic. Blockchain-based Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), for instance, remain locked in a struggle to convince mainstream media of their worth.

The Right Expertise

The arts are a unique industry with a kaleidoscopic variety of fields and disciplines. As such, it is vital for a public relations agency to be able to demonstrate first-hand experience and a detailed understanding of the sector. This personal relationship is crucial to facilitate a successful communications strategy.

Our team has worked with organisations large and small – from individual artists to well-established institutions and national cultural bodies – and all of them have benefitted from effective PR and digital marketing strategies which are tailored to their target audiences and ambitions.

We have carefully selected a team whose insight facilitates an intimate understanding of our clients, their needs, and the challenges they face. Our institutional knowledge is derived from genuine industry experience, as well as a deep understanding and passion for art in all its forms. This includes the “classics” – music, film, theatre – but also the growing field of digital art, including NFTs.

Covid-19 has significantly impacted the cultural sector. Emerging from a time with no audiences, closed venues, and the resulting loss of revenue, a targeted communications strategy is more vital than ever in reconnecting cultural organisations with their audiences. At Sapience Communications, we have the necessary expertise to help you through these challenging times.

Enhanging the Arts & Cultural Sector Visibility

From performing arts to museums and galleries, the cultural sector relies on a direct and unfiltered connection with its audience. In a world in which people are constantly exposed to virtual experiences, this direct connection is more vital than ever.

The cultural sector has been hit considerably by the effects of the pandemic, as well as a steady decline in Government funding. In order to reconnect arts institutions with their audiences and create a sustainable basis for the future, communications strategies have to reflect the unique perspectives offered by cultural organisations.

Of course there is also room for digital methods in cultural communications campaigns. In fact, the art world now sits on a boundary between the physical and digital worlds, with Christie’s having already sold more than $100m worth of NFTs since its landmark sale of Beeple’s “The First 500 Days” in March 2021. Culture evolves quickly, and keeping up with the latest developments has never been so valuable.

The best arts and culture marketing strategies are those that recognise the distinctive needs of the organisation, their wider industry and their audience. When these are aligned, communications can become an essential tool to ensure that arts and culture are seen not as a luxury, but as a hugely important means of enhancing our lives.

A Well-Tested Suite of PR Services

Our experts are highly skilled in providing a range digital PR and marketing services for organisations in the cultural sector. Some of our most typical services include:

Integrated Approach to PR for the Arts Sector

As a team with extensive experience in delivering arts communications in the UK, in Europe and globally, we work to clients’ briefs ranging from short-term tactical projects to long-term retainer work. In every case, our approach begins with the development of an overarching PR and marketing strategy, which frames all subsequent work we do to ensure consistency of message and focus.

We consider public relations and content marketing to be about more than simply press releases. For Sapience and our clients, it includes a full spectrum of communications activities – from stakeholder relations to digital and  social media campaigns, from media appearances to crisis and issues management.

Contact us

If you are looking to amplify your company’s voice in the art industry, please use the form below to get in touch for a free, confidential discussion. 

    FAQs

    Why should you work with Sapience?

    We are a team of arts and culture communications specialists, with extensive experience of tailoring internal and external messaging to target audiences as well as the latest sector trends.

    How is pricing determined?

    Regardless of the industry, we sit down with our clients to understand their exact needs and budget transparently, based on the amount of time and size of the team needed to achieve the goals.

    Why do arts organisations need PR?

    Quite simply, the organisations in the cultural sector cannot afford to neglect the competitive edge that effective communication could provide – and our expertise can help you unlock this. In an ever-changing world, it is increasingly important to cut through the noise and reach target audiences with strong messaging.

    Why do arts organisations dealing in NFTs need PR?

    Traditional arts organisations entering the market for NFTs face two main challenges: developing media relations in a highly specialised sector, and communicating clearly with their traditional audiences who are less likely to be fully familiar with NFTs. In both cases, the services of an agency with expertise across both industries can be an extremely valuable asset for raising an organisation’s profile.

    How long does a communications or leading generation programme run for?

    This depends on your specific needs and goals, which we will discuss with you in detail before any communications strategy is drawn up. In general, shorter projects typically run for three to six months, but multi-year campaigns are equally viable. We work hard to maintain momentum throughout each project, regardless of duration.

    Should PR and digital marketing activity take place continuously?

    In today’s market, an ongoing programme will likely be the most effective, in terms of both value for money and tangible results. An effective communications team would remain plugged-in to the latest developments across your organisation and sector, while constantly monitoring the media landscape for opportunities to secure favourable coverage.

    How do you measure success?

    Business goals can depend entirely on each individual business. Sapience will work with you to determine your specific goals and develop a series of KPIs based on this. We can deliver regular reports to analyse and assess the effectiveness and impact of your communications strategy.

    Should I still use a PR firm if my organisation already has an in-house communications function?

    Hiring an external agency can be a valuable way to enhance your existing PR operation. We can manage media enquiries and maximise outreach to the press, as well as drawing on our extensive sector-wide experience, knowledge and networks, collaborating with your existing team to best build and protect your brand.

    Make an enquiry

    If you are looking to enhance your corporate comms and digital marketing efforts with engaging,
    relevant content, please get in touch for a free, confidential discussion.