Work: Case Study ArtFields

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Unleashing the power of art to transform a rural community. 

In 2012, the town of Lake City, South Carolina undertook a bold–some said foolhardy–experiment. The questions were these: What if we held a giant, multi-day art festival and competition in this tiny, in-decline town in rural South Carolina? Would artists participate? Would visitors come to see? Could it put the town on a path for new development?

More than a decade later, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes.

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the moment
The Moment

The first year of ArtFields, the entire town came together to turn barbershops, restaurants, and furniture stores into galleries ready to house art. Not knowing if artists would apply, the first call for submissions opened in January of 2013. Not knowing if visitors would come, the first ArtFields was planned for the spring of that year.

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our take
Our Take

The idea for ArtFields was hatched in a city that wasn’t ready to go under, a city that saw art as a way to bring back its spirit. Across the globe and throughout history, art has always had the power to bring people together. It inspires us, moves us, and finds its way into our hearts, especially when we need it most. When the ArtFields team told us they wanted to turn their entire town into a living gallery and tap into the power of art, we were all in.

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our work
The Work

Our work with ArtFields began in 2012, preparing for its launch. We have since built two editions of the core website, including the voting platform that allows visitors to participate and award the top prizes. Along the way, we’ve evolved the Artfields brand identity and palette to provide more range and flexibility, served as the creative lead for digital advertising and event signage, and as storytellers and relationship builders through PR, content, and consulting.

 

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The Outcome

The first year of ArtFields, artists did come, and visitors did too. And they came back year after year. In time, the soul of the town began to likewise find its way back. Today, the once little-known Lake City is now synonymous with Southern art. Each spring during ArtFields, the town triples in size, and ongoing exhibitions, events, and public installations keep the spirit of art alive as a year-round reminder of the transformative power of art.

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