With all its wonder and pizzazz, the art world manages to disguise the magnitude of its industry. We often forget how much work happens behind the scenes. Museums, art fairs, artists and galleries are all turning to PR agencies that specialize in the arts. Public relations has shown to be a key element in the art world as it generates exposure to those who deserve it.
Ultimately, the choice between hiring a PR specialist or paying for an advertisement depends on what you want the outcome to be. We’ve found that for the art world specifically, hiring a strong PR team can go a long way. With that, we’ve rounded up a few art PR companies you need to know.
1. A & O PR
This boutique agency captivates you right off the bat with their bright-yellow, mad-libs style online platform (click on the underlined words on their website to change them). They provide marketing and creative services as well as digital and traditional PR to clients in the art world. Their wide range of clients includes The Hole, Transfer Gallery, ArtPrize and NanHai Art.
Andrea Schwan is an independent PR and image building consultant who represents world renowned clients like the New Museum, Hauser & Wirth, Luxembourg & Dayan, and Inhotim. She positions these clients indelibly at the forefront, placing them within the larger cultural context and attracting the most dynamic, diverse, and influential audiences possible.
3. Black Frame
Black Frame is an international consulting and image management firm that works with creative minds all the way from New York to Rio de Janeiro. Their client list serves as a testament to their work as they represent companies like RxArt, Elie Saab, Opening Ceremony, Nike, and Kenzo. Black Frame also has a division called Framework that specializes in creative direction and content production.
4. Blue Medium
Founded in 2000 by John Melick, Blue Medium provides a variety of PR services and communication strategies to companies in the visual arts, design, fashion and architecture communities. “From short-term public relations projects to full-service, long-term marketing communications strategy and implementation, Blue Medium provides a range of services to ensure the most effective positioning, reach and results.” Their client list includes the Davidoff Art Initiative, Gagosian Gallery, the Rhode Island School of Design and ArtFrankly.
5. Fitz & Co.
Fitz & Co. is a strategic communications and marketing firm that specializes in image consulting and audience development for clients in the contemporary arts and culture. Founded in 1995 by Sara Fitzmaurice, they now have offices in New York City and Los Angeles and work with major corporations, cultural foundations and art fairs helping each of them with brand messaging, social media strategy, and marketing campaigns. Their clientele includes Art Basel, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, the Storm King Art Center, and the Sharjah Art Foundation.
6. Nadine Johnson & Associates Inc.
Nadine Johnson & Associates Inc. is a full-service PR agency that provides strategic media outreach, image and brand consulting and event planning to a variety of international clients. They are known for their innovative, fun and exclusive events. They work with top-tier clients in the arts including The Watermill Center, Galerie Daniel Templon, Andrew Edlin Gallery and even the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles.
7. Prentice Art Communications Inc.
Prentice Art Communications Inc. is a PR firm that is specialized in media relations, strategic partnerships and event planning for the art world. They work with clients like the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), McDermott & McGough, and Venus Over Manhattan. They are experts in producing meticulously curated events every season as well as by establishing meaningful and profitable relationships, creating an extensive network of connections in the art, fashion, luxury and cultural communities.
Resnicow & Associates represents some of the leading figures in the art world. They provide strategic communications, marketing, and consulting services that are specially tailored to each client’s specific needs to promote their unique set of goals. Their clientele includes The Frick Collection, Frieze Art Fair, the Park Avenue Armory, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Dealers Association of America and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami.
9. Sutton
Sutton PR is a global cultural communications company that focuses on promoting creativity. With offices in New York, Hong Kong, and London, they use alternative and innovative methods to promote their clients ideas. “From advising on partnerships to planning events to navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, every project is different and every solution is bespoke.” Their specialist consultants have an intelligent and informed approach to every task, and their client list proves it, including some of the leading enterprises, galleries and cultural foundations like the Dia Art Foundation, El Museo del Barrio, the Jack Shainman Gallery, Pace Gallery, the Parrish Art Museum and LA><ART.
10. Third Eye
Third Eye is a strategic marketing, PR and communications firm that combines classic media and marketing strategies with creative alternative methods to fit each and every customer’s needs. Focusing on the worlds of art, architecture, design, fashion, hospitality and lifestyle, Third Eye develops multidisciplinary campaigns that resonate locally and globally. Their client list includes 303 Gallery, the Andrea Rosen Gallery, Pioneer Works, Maison Margiela and EXPO Chicago.
