Dear DRMRS and Doers,

Welcome to 2025! While folks are still busy making (and breaking) their New Year’s resolutions, we’re declaring something bigger: 2025 is officially The Year of the Bold Brand.

Why? Because playing it safe is so 2024. And if you’re not updating your strategy for success with your brand in mind, you’re still in the 20th century.

At DRMTM, our 2025 goals include leading revolutionary brand strategy that builds democracy and capacity, drives fundraising, and creates lasting cultural impact for arts and culture organizations just like yours.

Your Strategic Strike Force

Yes, we build the sector’s best brands. But we’re also an expert consulting firm available to guide your current brand’s focus and growth. That nagging question about sub-branding your new initiative? We’ve got you. Board members stuck in 1995 about your rebrand? We’ll help you navigate that conversation. Need to know if your brand is truly serving your community? Let’s dig into that research.

What’s Coming in 2025

Each month, we’re dropping knowledge bombs on the topics that keep arts leaders up at night:

• Brand relevance (who you are to people) in the age of AI and immersive experiences
• Building authentic brand culture (HR, listen up)
• When to evolve vs. when to overhaul your brand
• Making your board your biggest brand champions
• Sub-branding without losing your focus
• Brand democracy: if you build it they will come
• The connection between bold brands and fundraising success

Plus, we’ll share some insider-info about how to get your whole team to actually agree on that new logo. (Yes, it’s possible. We have evidence.)

Ready to Go Bold? Don’t wait for a crisis to think about your brand strategy. Whether you need a full transformation or just a strategic gut-check, we’re here with the expertise, tools, and let’s be honest — the most fun you’ll have while tackling serious organizational change.

Here’s to bold, bolder, boldest,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

P.S. Got a burning brand question? Hit us up here on Calendly. First three organizations to reach out in January get a free Happy Half Hour strategy session to ask us anything about your brand.

Chorus America Collab is a Dream Come True

Dear DRMRS and Doers,

When Chorus America invited DRMTM to share our branding wisdom in their award-winning publication, The Voice, we couldn’t help but sing from the rooftops! From presenting at their Atlanta conference to diving deep into brand strategy for their national magazine, 2024 has been a harmony of creative collaboration with this incredible organization.

Your cultural organization or national arts agency can also discover how a bold brand is the key to greater impact. Our latest article breaks down the what, when, and why of cultural transformation through strategic branding. Enjoy reading The Voice and getting to know the incredible brand culture of Chorus America. We know you will love them as much as we do!

Click Here To Read Article!

Finished reading? Email us here at hello@thedrmtm.com to chat with our team about bringing this strategy to your organization or conference.

Here’s to incredible collaborations,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

Have You Been Kheli-fied Yet?
​Meet Our Culture Transformation Guru

Dear DRMRS and Doers,

Real talk: building a bold brand isn’t just about killer logos and punchy taglines (though we love those too). It’s about creating genuine cultural transformation from the inside out. That’s why we’re over the moon to introduce you to our brilliant brand culture expert, Dr. Kheli Willetts.

Why We’re Impressed and Obsessed
​Picture this: 25 years of nonprofit and education leadership + a PhD + super-powers in IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) = one absolutely incredible force for organizational change. Kheli knows how to turn big ideas into real, actionable culture shifts that stick.

The Kheli Effect
When major players like the National Museum of African American Music and the Bullock Texas State History Museum need to level up their cultural game, they call Kheli. As DRMTM’s primary IDEA and brand culture operations consultant, she’s our secret weapon for helping organizations walk their talk – from mission statements to daily operations.

Super-Powers Include:

• Nonprofit genius
• Arts programming mastery
• Community engagement magic
• Leadership transformation
• Infrastructure development skills
• IDEA implementation expertise

But Wait, There’s More
​Because being amazing at one thing isn’t enough, Kheli also serves on the board of the Texas Association of Museums and spent 15 years dropping knowledge in higher education.

Ready to Get Kheli-fied? If your organization is ready to transform its culture from the inside out, you’re in luck – Kheli is part of our DRMTM family. And trust us, family doesn’t let family build brands without solid cultural foundations.

Click this email link at hello@thedrmtm.com to request a culture chat. We’ll connect you with Kheli faster than you can say “cultural transformation.”

Here’s to building better brands from the inside out,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

Dear DRMRS and Doers,

Can you believe we’ve reached our final Bold Brand truth? What a journey it’s been exploring these fundamental principles together. We’ve saved one of our most powerful insights for last – one that cuts to the heart of why people truly connect with arts and culture organizations.

Here’s #10 on our list of Bold Brand truths:

People join causes that reflect who they are, who they want to be, or how they want to be perceived.

Think about the last time you shared a social media post about attending a premiere performance, or proudly displayed your museum member tote bag, or mentioned serving on a theater’s board of directors. What motivated that share? That display? That mention?

Let’s be honest – we’re all painting a picture of ourselves through our choices and associations. And that’s okay – it’s fundamentally human.

Here’s the fascinating truth: When people choose to support an arts organization, they’re not just buying a ticket or making a donation. They’re making a statement about their values, their cultural awareness, or their community involvement. They’re saying, “This is who I am” or “This is who I aspire to be.”

Remember our very first Brand Truth about connecting community to your cause, not your programs? This is exactly why that principle is so powerful. Nobody buys into your mission because they desperately want to attend your quarterly board meetings (well, maybe a few!). They join because supporting avant-garde theater makes them feel culturally adventurous. They donate because being a patron of the arts aligns with their self-image as a community leader. They volunteer because they want to be seen as someone who gives back. They show up because you provide a place for them to feel elevated and artistic, and they like the perks!

This insight completely transforms how we should approach our messaging:

• Stop the “we” parade: Instead of “We present groundbreaking contemporary dance,” try “Discover your adventurous spirit through boundary-pushing performance.”
• Paint the picture: Rather than listing program features, show how participation enriches lives and shapes identities: “Join the cultural pioneers shaping our city’s artistic future.”
• Create belonging: Instead of “Support our youth orchestra,” try “Be the spark that ignites the next generation of musical brilliance.”

Start by asking these amazing questions. Expand beyond your usual suspects for extra-insightful answers:

1. What does association with your organization say about someone?
2. What aspirational identity does your cultural cause offer?
3. How do your current supporters want to be perceived?
4. What community status or recognition comes with different levels of engagement?

Combine Identity + Impact

The most powerful messaging (and fundraising!) connects personal identity with meaningful impact. For example:

• “Visionaries like you understand that art changes lives…”
• “Join fellow cultural champions in making our city a beacon for creative expression…”
• “Be remembered as someone who helped transform our historic theater into a contemporary masterpiece…”

Remember: This isn’t about manipulation – it’s about recognition. People genuinely want to support meaningful causes. Our job is to help them see how their personal values and aspirations align with our missions.

Ready to reimagine your messaging through the motivation lens? Here’s your quick action plan:

• Audit your current communications: How often do you lead with “we” statements versus “you” invitations?
• Map your identity offerings: What different types of involvement or support speak to different personal aspirations?
• Craft messages that mirror: Help people see themselves – or their ideal selves – in your cause.

Struggling to shift from “we” to “them”? Reach out to DRMTM at hello@thedrmtm.com for a free chat to transform your brand approach.

Here’s to Reflecting Your Best Self,

Surale, Laura + Cheryl

P.S. We’ll conclude this series in December with a summary and goal plan for 2025 to adopt the DRMTM Bold Brand truths! For now, we’d love to hear which truth resonated most with you and your organization. Drop us a line and let us know!

Dear DRMRS and Doers,

Welcome back to our journey through DRMTM’s Bold Brand Truths. Today, we’re tackling #9, and it’s a big, sometimes scary one:

Accountability Counts.

In our exciting field, we love to talk about creating magic, inspiring awe, and transforming lives with art and culture. But there’s a critical, less glamourous piece to our work that we often overlook: accountability. Accountability is the backbone of a bold arts brand. It’s what forms trust, thus allowing us to create magic, awe, and transformation.

Why? Because trust is the currency of connection.

When people align with your brand, they’re not just appreciating your art — they’re buying into your values, your culture, your promise. They’re joining your family. And just like in any family, trust is paramount.

But here’s the thing: trust is fragile. It’s built slowly, over time, through consistent actions and transparent communication. Yet it can be shattered in an instant by a misstep, a broken promise, or a values misalignment.

So, how do we build and maintain this trust? Through accountability.

It must show up across all operations and in addressing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) in our mission and profession. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Embrace the messy middle: We’re living in complex times. It’s okay – commendable, even – to admit that you’re still figuring things out. Your audience appreciates honesty over perfection.
• Walk the talk: Accountability isn’t just about training manuals and mission statements. It’s about the hard, ongoing work of truly reflecting and serving your community. Are you actively engaging in difficult conversations? Are you making real, structural changes?
• Own your mistakes: When you miss the mark (and you will, because we’re all human), own it. Apologize sincerely, explain what went wrong, and share how you’ll do better.
• Invite feedback: Create channels for your community to share their thoughts and concerns. And more importantly, listen and respond.
• Be transparent about your journey: Share your accountability goals publicly. Report on your progress — both the victories and the challenges.
• Question yourself regularly: Are we being authentic in our approach? Are we avoiding controversy at the cost of progress? Are we truly serving our entire community?

Accountability isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about being honest, open, and committed to growth. It’s about recognizing that as arts and culture organizations, we have a unique responsibility and opportunity to lead by example in creating more just and inclusive communities.

Yes, there’s fatigue around serving communities and DEIA discussions. Yes, the current political climate can make these conversations challenging. But here’s the truth: our missions as arts and culture organizations demand that we persist. We must continue to evolve, to reflect, and to strive for better — not despite the challenges, but because of them.

It might feel vulnerable. It might be messy. But it’s also where the real magic happens — where trust deepens, where communities truly connect, and where your brand becomes not just bold, but beloved.

Ready to boost your accountability quotient? Here are some questions to get you started:

1. When was the last time we publicly shared our progress (or challenges) on accountability initiatives?
2. How do we currently gather and respond to community feedback?
3. Can we identify a recent misstep? How did we handle it, and what did we learn?
4. Are our efforts integrated into all aspects of our organization, or siloed?
5. How are we measuring the impact of our accountability efforts?

Remember, accountability isn’t a destination – it’s an ongoing journey. By committing to this journey, you’re not just strengthening your brand. You’re creating a more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant arts and culture landscape for all.

Struggling with how to approach accountability in your organization?

We happen to have some expertise in this area. Email us at hello@thedrmtm.com and we’ll schedule a call to talk about our consulting services.

Here’s to brands that don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk,

​Surale, Laura + Cheryl

P.S. We’d love to hear about your accountability journey! Join us on our socials to share a moment when owning up to a challenge led to unexpected growth – let’s learn from each other!

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

Today we’re talking about the Power of One: How Your Arts Brand Can Touch Hearts and Open Wallets. Welcome back to our exploration of DRMTM’s Bold Brand Truths. Let’s dive right in on #8:

People respond to the needs of one, not many.

In the world of arts and culture, we’re often tempted to showcase the grandeur of our impact — the thousands of lives touched, the countless performances given, the endless gallery hours offered. But here’s a truth that might surprise you: when it comes to inspiring support and connection, less is absolutely more.

Why? Because human beings are wired for individual connection. We can empathize deeply with one person’s story, but we often feel overwhelmed and disconnected when faced with large numbers or abstract concepts. This isn’t just feel-good advice — it’s backed by psychology and proven fundraising strategies. So how can arts and culture organizations harness this powerful truth?

1. Put a face to your mission: Instead of talking about “underserved communities,” tell the story of Maria, the teenager who discovered her voice in your youth theater program.

2. Show, don’t tell: Rather than listing statistics about music education, share a video of Alex mastering their first violin concerto after a year in your after-school program.

3. Make the impact tangible: Don’t just say “your donation helps.” Show how a $50 gift provides art supplies for one child’s summer camp experience.

4. Create emotional connections: Share the journey of an emerging artist from their first gallery showing to their breakthrough exhibition.

5. Highlight volunteer experiences: Let supporters hear directly from individuals who’ve found purpose and community through volunteering with your organization.

For performing arts organizations, this approach might feel challenging. After all, you’re used to showcasing ensembles, not individuals. But consider these additional strategies with those above which are supporter- and donor-centric:

• Profile a young dancer’s journey on scholarship from first audition to opening night.
• Share how a community outreach performance touched one audience member’s life.
• Illustrate how one patron’s support made a specific production possible.
• Highlight an individual musician’s or composer’s personal connection to a piece in your upcoming concert that donor support made happen.

Remember, focusing on “the one” doesn’t mean ignoring your broader impact. It’s about creating an entry point — a relatable, emotional connection that opens hearts and minds to your larger mission.

By centering individual stories, you’re not diminishing your reach. You’re elevating it. You’re showing potential supporters that their contribution, no matter the size, can create a ripple effect of positive change.

So, arts and culture champions, it’s time to zoom in. Find those powerful individual narratives within your organization. They’re there — in your programs, your audiences, your artists, and your volunteers. These stories are the key to unlocking deeper community engagement and support.

Ready to start spotlighting the power of one? Here are some questions to kickstart your approach:

• Who’s a standout success story from your education or community programs?
• Can you identify an artist whose journey embodies your organization’s mission?
• Is there a long-time patron whose life has been enriched by your work?
• What’s a memorable moment of individual transformation you’ve witnessed?
• How can you break down your impact into personal, relatable experiences?

Remember, every grand performance, every expansive exhibition, every community-wide initiative is, at its heart, a collection of individual stories. By telling these stories one at a time, you invite your community to see themselves in your mission — and to play a starring role in your organization’s success.

Struggling to find your spotlight story? We’re here to help. Reach out to us at hello@thedrmtm.com for a free happy half-hour consultation on identifying and crafting those powerful individual narratives.

Here’s to the power of one,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

P.S. We’d love to hear your “power of one” story! Share a moment when an individual’s experience brought your mission to life — let’s inspire each other!