Reigniting Hartford's Summer Spirit: How FourteenG Helped Bring “Summer in the City” Back to Life

Overview

After several years of canceled events and a lack of citywide energy, the Greater Hartford Arts Council had a bold vision: revive Hartford’s summer programming, rebuild community pride, and bring people back into the heart of the city through art, music, and culture. They needed more than just a campaign. They needed a creative partner who could help shift perception and turn momentum into lasting impact.

That’s where FourteenG came in.

The Challenge

The City of Hartford had gone several summers without a cohesive or celebrated public events calendar. Funding had dried up, community interest was low, and there wasn’t a strong brand behind the city’s cultural identity. The Greater Hartford Arts Council set out to change that by launching “Summer in the City,” but they needed a partner to help bring it to life and grow it into something sustainable.

How We Partnered

FourteenG worked closely with the Arts Council across three consecutive summers, providing hands-on support and creative strategy that went far beyond surface-level branding. We didn’t just build the identity—we helped rally energy around the movement. By collaborating deeply and aligning with their mission, we helped Hartford show up loud, proud, and full of life all summer long.

What We Delivered

  • Logo Design and Visual Identity
    Developed a fresh, vibrant brand that reflected the city’s cultural diversity and creative spirit.
  • Website Design and Development
    Created a centralized hub where residents and visitors could discover upcoming events and plan their summer.
  • Print and Digital Campaigns
    Launched a multi-channel push including posters, flyers, social media content, and geo-targeted digital ads.
  • Infographics and Performance Reports
    Produced clear, visual summaries to showcase impact and drive long-term support and funding.

Results

  • Record-breaking attendance at city events across all three summers
  • Substantial growth in social media engagement, reach, and community sharing
  • Increased public visibility and credibility for the program, securing major support from funders like United Technologies
  • Revived citywide energy that continued well beyond the summer season

Testimonials

“From captivating social media promotions and advertisements, Gary, Mike, and the team’s dedication to our cause was evident every step of the way. Their efforts not only drew record-breaking attendance to our events but also fostered a sense of community pride and engagement that resonates long after the summer sun has set.”

— Cathy Malloy, Greater Hartford Arts Council

Key Takeaway

When city-led programs want to do more than just entertain, they need a marketing partner who can build something with them, not just for them. At FourteenG, we help turn ideas into movements that bring people together and make an impact that lasts.

See how we’ve partnered with others to create lasting impact.

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