The Figge Art Museum is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building on the banks of the Mississippi, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections, and presents world-class traveling exhibitions. Its studios, auditorium and spacious lobby are alive with art classes, lectures and special events that attract visitors of all ages.
As the Figge approached its Centennial Year, the museum aimed to elevate its profile regionally and nationally and drive awareness of its landmark programming, including the unveiling of Evanescent Field, a major new public artwork by Leo Villareal, and high-profile partnerships with the National Gallery of Art and John Deere, as well as major exhibitions like Future Now and 100 Years of Collecting.
A&O PR developed and executed a 12-month public relations strategy anchored by the Evanescent Field installation, creating a cohesive Centennial narrative and press and community events celebrating the unveiling of Leo Villareal’s work while providing targeted national and regional media outreach, tailored press materials, strategic messaging, sustained planning and outreach, and press coverage.
The campaign achieved significant regional and national exposure, securing coverage in top arts and culture outlets that highlighted the Figge’s institutional partnerships and programming, amplified visibility for the Evanescent Field unveiling and traveling exhibitions, and positioned the Figge as a nationally relevant arts institution in its Centennial Year.
