ArtsEmerson: 10 Years Bold

Project Overview:

As the professional presenting and producing organization at Emerson College, ArtsEmerson has long been a cultural force in Boston. Founded in 2010—the same year the U.S. Census confirmed no single racial or ethnic majority in the city—ArtsEmerson’s mission has always been rooted in bridging divides through performance, dialogue, and global storytelling.

In celebration of their 10-year anniversary season, the organization introduced a new brand identity, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and internationalism. The guiding ethos: while borders and bias may divide, art and conversation unite. Kona & Birch was invited to bring this brand refresh to life across a multi-platform rollout.

Design Approach:

We translated ArtsEmerson’s refreshed brand into a vibrant, flexible system that would meet the demands of a season spanning live performance, community engagement, and digital outreach. Bold color blocking, layered textures, and sharp geometric forms provided visual structure—while dynamic photography and confident type treatments carried the emotional energy of the programming.

Campaign materials ranged from large-scale venue graphics and brochures to social assets, banner ads, and web extensions. A key focus was maintaining consistency across physical and digital spaces, allowing ArtsEmerson’s message to resonate with new and longtime audiences alike.

Outcome:

The result was a cohesive, expressive brand experience that honored ArtsEmerson’s legacy while boldly looking forward. With “Ten Years Bold” as its rallying cry, the 2019/20 season rollout helped energize public perception, expand visibility, and reinforce the organization’s role as a convener for dialogue, connection, and artistic exchange.