Case Study
Mark Arts – Wichita, KS
OVERVIEW
Mark Arts Outdoor, an arts and cultural center located in Wichita, Kansas, is dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement through various art exhibitions, classes, and events. As an organization that thrives on community involvement and outreach, Mark Arts Outdoor sought a modern, dynamic way to engage visitors and communicate events, exhibitions, and other activities in a visually appealing manner. To accomplish this, they turned to Next LED Signs for a comprehensive digital signage solution, installing both an outdoor digital sign and an indoor digital window display to enhance their visibility and enrich the visitor experience.
Before integrating these advanced digital displays, Mark Arts Outdoor had relied primarily on traditional signage, printed flyers, and handouts to communicate with their audience. However, they faced challenges in capturing attention, effectively sharing real-time updates, and making their messages stand out in the busy arts and culture scene of Wichita.
CLIENT: Mark Arts
PITCH: APEX 6MM – ONYX 10MM
PIXEL MATRIX:
1440px x 528px | 300px x 150px
The Challenge: Breaking Through a Crowded Arts Environment
Prior to integrating advanced digital displays, Mark Arts relied on traditional print flyers and static signage, which presented several hurdles:
- Limited High-Traffic Visibility: Competing businesses and local events often overshadowed the center’s static messaging, making it difficult to capture the attention of passing drivers and pedestrians.
- Underutilized Window Space: The center’s front-facing windows were not optimized for communication, missing an opportunity to provide street-level “sneak peeks” into current gallery exhibits.
- Inefficient Communication: With frequent programming shifts and artist showcases, the staff struggled to share timely information with the community using manual update methods.
The Solution: A Synchronized Indoor and Outdoor Digital Experience
NEXT LED Signs worked closely with Mark Arts to design a versatile, high-definition solution that maximizes their physical space:
- Outdoor ONYX Entrance Sign: Strategically placed at the main entrance, this 10mm high-resolution sign displays event schedules and exhibition announcements to high-traffic traffic.
- Indoor APEX Window Display: This 6mm fine-pitch display was installed in the front windows to showcase featured artist interviews, workshop previews, and vibrant animations for street-level viewers.
- Unified Content Management: Both displays are integrated into a single, user-friendly software platform, allowing staff to update gallery news and schedule event posts in real-time.
- The Challenge: Breaking Through a Crowded Arts Environment
- Prior to integrating advanced digital displays, Mark Arts relied on traditional print flyers and static signage, which presented several hurdles:
- Limited High-Traffic Visibility: Competing businesses and local events often overshadowed the center’s static messaging, making it difficult to capture the attention of passing drivers and pedestrians.
- Underutilized Window Space: The center’s front-facing windows were not optimized for communication, missing an opportunity to provide street-level “sneak peeks” into current gallery exhibits.
- Inefficient Communication: With frequent programming shifts and artist showcases, the staff struggled to share timely information with the community using manual update methods.
“The Art to the City digital display and outdoor digital sign from Next LED Signs have transformed the way we engage the community with the mission of Mark Arts. Showcasing our exhibitions in a dynamic, eye-catching way to anyone passing our community’s fifth-busiest intersection has been a game-changer. It’s helped us connect with visitors in a way that traditional signage simply couldn’t.”
— Katy Dorrah, Mark Arts Center
The Results: Driving Foot Traffic and Digital Community Growth
Since the installation of the digital signage, Mark Arts Outdoor has experienced a number of positive outcomes, including:
Increased Foot Traffice & Awareness
The outdoor digital sign has significantly increased the visibility of Mark Arts Outdoor within the local community. Its vibrant displays grab the attention of pedestrians and drivers alike, encouraging them to stop by the center. Since its installation, the center has noticed a marked increase in foot traffic, especially from people who had not previously visited the facility.
The indoor digital window display has also enhanced the center’s visibility from the street, providing a clear preview of exhibitions and events that has intrigued passersby, many of whom were drawn in by the engaging content
Improved Event Promotion & Real-Time Updates
The flexibility of the digital signage has allowed Mark Arts Outdoor to easily promote a wide variety of events in real-time. Whether it’s a last-minute change in the schedule,
a new exhibit opening, or an upcoming class registration, the outdoor digital sign and indoor window display
have provided an immediate and effective platform for communicating with the public.
The ability to update the content quickly has been especially valuable during high-traffic periods like gallery openings or special art events, where timing and visibility are crucial.
Enhanced Visitor Experience
The dynamic content displayed on the indoor digital window display has greatly improved the visitor experience, offering them a visual introduction to the center’s activities before they even enter. The display showcases the featured artists, upcoming workshops, and the latest exhibits, creating excitement and anticipation.
Visitors have also responded positively to the interactive elements of the digital window, such as video interviews with artists or previews of new exhibits, which have enriched their overall experience and engagement with the center.
Increased Social Media & Online Engagement
The vibrant and engaging content on the digital signage has also had a positive impact on Mark Arts Outdoor’s social media presence. With visually compelling graphics and video content on the digital displays, the arts center has been able to encourage more interaction with their online platforms, helping to build a larger digital community.
They’ve successfully used the digital signage as a tool to drive online engagement, encouraging people to visit their website, share content on social media, and stay informed about upcoming events and exhibitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do digital signs help art centers increase foot traffic?
Digital signs significantly increase visibility by displaying vibrant, high-definition graphics that grab the attention of passersby. By providing a clear visual preview of exhibits and special events, arts centers can intrigue local residents and tourists who may not have previously planned a visit.
What are the benefits of digital window displays for cultural organizations?
Fine-pitch digital window displays turn underutilized glass into interactive storytelling tools. Showcasing artist interviews and “behind the scenes” workshop footage creates excitement and anticipation, offering visitors a professional introduction to the center before they even step inside.
Can digital signage drive social media and online engagement?
Yes. By displaying visually compelling content and promoting digital calls-to-action on the sign, organizations can encourage visitors to share photos, visit the website for class registrations, and follow social media platforms, effectively building a larger digital community.
Promote Events and Strengthen Community Visibility
If your organization needs a better way to promote events, highlight exhibits, and keep the community informed, NEXT LED Signs can help. Our digital displays support arts organizations, galleries, and community-focused venues with flexible messaging, strong visual impact, and reliable performance that keeps your updates visible. Call 888-359-9412 or visit Contact Us to talk about your project.