Converge 45
The arts are essential to a city’s vitality. Converge 45, an arts nonprofit in Portland, Oregon, partnered with We. on a city revitalization event, boosting the economy whiles parking dialogue about pressing social and environmental issues.
We. executed a citywide takeover of local arts institutions and galleries on the theme Art as Global Citizenship. A contingent of press from across the country were recruited to Portland for opening weekend. The social media strategy featured artists and exhibitors but also tied the arts to the larger story about economic revitalization.
The event focused national attention on issues important to Portlanders and provided a bit of economic stimulus for the Rose City in the process. Media coverage was up 16x over prior biennial programming, 80+ pieces, with multiple stories in every priority Portland publication. On social, metrics showed a 4x increase in average follower rate, and a +50% increase in audience on Instagram, 3x the original goal.
And Converge 45 saw some economic benefit of its own, with a slew of new donors and partners.
