NEFA HAS NEW LOOK: New Visual Identity Includes Website with Community Focus

(Boston, MA - October 2009) New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), a nonprofit organization providing leadership and resources to benefit artists, the public, arts funders, and policymakers throughout New England and beyond, announces a new visual identity and website.

”Quite simply---it’s the power of art,” said NEFA executive director Rebecca Blunk.  “Our new look better expresses our impact, our reach, and our unique position.  In turn, more people will see ways to become involved in what we do: provide systems of support for artists, artmaking, and community engagement.”

Thanks to the savvy and leadership of Boston-based Korn Design, a nationally recognized brand strategy and design firm, NEFA has a whole new look and website.  Building on NEFA’s five-year strategic plan, the work with Korn Design included brand strategy, a new visual identity, messaging, print collateral, and a new website featuring an exciting online forum called the NEFA Network. Korn Design collaborated closely with Libretto, a Boston-based strategic messaging firm, on all of the messaging and writing aspects of this project.

The new visual identity celebrates the expressive, multifaceted spirit of the artists and communities that NEFA supports through a modern logotype with color variations that include an optimistic bold orange and a vibrant multi-color gradation alternate. The custom letterforms project a vital energy and flow into one another representing the passion behind the art itself and the continuous connections NEFA establishes between artists, arts programmers, and the public. The new NEFA logotype is confident, bright and distinctive.

“The incredible reach and depth of NEFA’s work across the county is remarkable. We hope that this new identity and clearer positioning will enhance awareness of all that NEFA does both here in New England and nationally” said Denise Korn of Korn Design, “NEFA has a great story to tell; the new branding gives the organization a solid kit to best celebrate all that it stands for. NEFA truly is a vital force.”

Www.nefa.org brings NEFA’s online presence well into the 21st century. NEFA’s new website presents extensive and complex information through a newly refined and intuitive navigation architecture that allows for a user-friendly Web experience to readily understand who NEFA is, how to apply for a grant, and how to connect with others. Large, compelling photography sits at the center of its design immediately visualizing the wide reach of NEFA’s activities. Clean, bold graphics create a clear hierarchy of information and the overall design integrates all of the elements of NEFA’s new visual identity.

The simple visual design is supported by a robust content management system that allows NEFA’s staff to easily edit information and keep the site as fresh and dynamic as the organization itself.

About NEFA
NEFA creatively supports the movement of people, ideas, and resources in the arts within New England and beyond, makes vital connections between artists and communities, and builds the strength, knowledge, and leadership of the creative sector.  NEFA is a 501(c)(3) that operates with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New England state arts agencies, and from corporations, foundations and individuals.

NEFA currently administers grantmaking programs of regional, national, and international scope that support the performing arts, public art, and Native American artists. NEFA also leads projects and initiatives that range from the analysis of the impact of the creative economy to the creation of online tools which link and advance the cultural community. For more information on NEFA’s grant programs and services, please visit www.nefa.org or call 617.951.0010.

About Korn Design
Founded in 1992, Korn Design is an award-winning brand design and strategy firm with offices in Boston and New York. Headed by Principal Denise Korn and Partner/Creative Director Javier Cortés, Korn Design is passionate about designing high-touch experiences driven by maverick thinking and creative strategy. The firm has brought cutting edge visual acuity, business savvy, and imagination to work for top-of-class performing arts, luxury hospitality, restaurant, nonprofit, fashion and institutional clients internationally.
www.korndesign.com

About Libretto
Libretto is New England’s leading provider of strategic messaging and writing services for organizations ranging from major institutions and global corporations to prominent nonprofits. The firm specializes in messaging and communications consulting; print, Web, and multimedia content; and naming and branding services. Libretto brings versatility and experience to the task of solving complex communications challenges for diverse clients in industries that include education, technology, healthcare, financial services, and the arts. www.libretto-inc.com.

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