For Immediate Release:

WOODMERE UNVEILS BOLD NEW IDENTITY WITH SUPPORT FROM

A LITTLE BETTER CO. THROUGH THE UNLESS PROJECT GRANT

A Fresh Identity That Brings Woodmere to the Forefront

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 14, 2024) – Woodmere Art Museum is thrilled to unveil its transformation to simply "Woodmere," a name that captures the museum's evolution as a dynamic cultural hub for the city of Philadelphia. From captivating exhibitions and live performances to engaging classes and talks, Woodmere offers a multifaceted experience that speaks to art lovers and the local community alike. This exciting rebranding has been made possible through a grant from A Little Better Co. (ALBC) via The Unless Project, allowing Woodmere to amplify its voice and strengthen its presence on a grander stage.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from ALBC’s Unless Project grant,” said William Valerio, Woodmere’s Director. “Their expertise has been instrumental in positioning Woodmere as a more accessible, engaging, and essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. This rebranding arrives at a pivotal time as we expand our footprint and elevate our mission.”

“When reviewing applicants for our Artistic Activism grant, Woodmere stood out for its visionary approach to honoring Philadelphia’s cultural heritage while inspiring future generations,” said Simon Rogers, founder of ALBC. “It has been a privilege to work alongside Woodmere to amplify their impact and bring their vibrant story and mission to the forefront.”

Transforming Woodmere for the Next Chapter

Woodmere was selected in January 2024 as the first grantee of ALBC’s Unless Project, a grant program valued at $150,000 in services and resources (although ALBC’s total contribution is expected to be significantly higher once the project is complete). ALBC’s collaboration with Woodmere began with an in-depth analysis to better understand the museum's audience and impact. This led to a comprehensive, six-stage approach to refine Woodmere’s positioning, enhance its operational capabilities, and strengthen its connection to the community. These phases include: Discover & Strategy, Operations & Education, Branding & Storytelling, Marketing & PR, Pitching & Delivery, and Analysis & Graduation.

Currently in the Marketing & PR and Pitching & Delivery phases, Woodmere has launched a new logo, color palette, and strategic messaging that highlights its commitment to fostering creativity, learning, and self-expression. Through ALBC’s brand development support, Woodmere has introduced updated social media content, signage, and printed materials that reflect its bold new identity. Woodmere and ALBC are currently working on building an entirely new website and digital platform to showcase their rich collection and make it easier for folks to engage with Woodmere virtually, to plan their visits, and to share Woodmere’s stories with their networks. The new website is scheduled to launch in Q1 2025.  

This rebranding marks an exciting period of growth for Woodmere as it expands into a multifacility destination with the addition of Frances M. Maguire Hall, scheduled to open in 2025. With 17,000 square feet of new gallery space, Woodmere’s refreshed identity enables it to deepen its roots in the community while extending its reach and reinforcing its belief in art and nature’s transformative power. The museum remains dedicated to celebrating its history and empowering individuals to tell their stories and use art as a tool to envision and shape the future.

About A Little Better Co.

A Little Better Co. is a strategic branding and storytelling collective on a mission to make the world a little better than we found it. We partner with organizations across sectors to unlock their full potential through focused brand strategy, impactful storytelling, and tailored marketing that deepen audience connections and elevate brand impact. As part of our commitment to social good, 100% of ALBC’s profits fund The Unless Project—a grant program dedicated to supporting nonprofits with bold ideas and limited resources. Through The Unless Project, we provide select nonprofits with branding, storytelling, and PR resources that help them build resilience, amplify their voices, and make meaningful change in their communities.

About Woodmere

Housed in a 19th-century stone mansion on six acres in Chestnut Hill, Woodmere is dedicated to the art and artists of Philadelphia. The building and grounds, together with the core of the collection, are the gifts of Charles Knox Smith (1845-1916). Born of humble means, Smith eventually built a successful mining company and served on Philadelphia’s Common Council (the precursor to today’s City Council). In 1898, Smith purchased the estate known as Woodmere and began transforming it into a showcase for his art. With the belief that the experience of art and nature together offer a path to spiritual beauty, Smith welcomed his first visitors to Woodmere in 1910. 

The Museum continues to honor his vision with WOW, Woodmere’s Outdoor Wonder, which brings together monumental outdoor sculpture, horticulture, environmental conservation, and education. For almost forty years, from the early 1940s through 1978, Woodmere thrived under the leadership of Edith Emerson, who, along with her life partner, the artist Violet Oakley, brought women artists into the collection. Today, Woodmere is dedicated to collecting and showing work by the diverse spectrum of artists who make Philadelphia their home. Woodmere seeks to offer an increasingly inclusive dialogue in the arts through its exhibitions, programs, concerts, and events. Woodmere is located at 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA, 19118. Open to the public Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. Admission is $10; FREE on Sunday. For more information: woodmereartmuseum.org.

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Contact:

Amy Ferracci, Director of Marketing & Communications

aferracci@woodmereartmuseum.org

(267) 691-0728