Get in Touch
  • Events, Video Production

Artistry Reimagined

Curating 'Beyond the Red Carpet' exhibition

the situation

In a bold and innovative move to redefine trophies as art, Ascent Strategic Communications (Ascent Strategic Communications) spearheaded the meticulous planning and execution of an unprecedented awards-as-art exhibition titled “Beyond the Red Carpet: Iconic Awards and Artistic Collaborations” at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, NC. Our client, Society Awards, sought to increase awareness of their role in crafting some of the world’s most renowned trophies while positioning them as pieces of art worthy of admiration.

the project

Ascent Strategic Communications recognized the pivotal need to demonstrate that trophies transcend mere recognition and embody artistic merit. To achieve this, we pitched the concept of the exhibit to the Mint Museum, a collaboration that would lend credibility and prestige to the message Society Awards aimed to convey. Over 15 months, our team in collaboration with our trusted creative partners, meticulously planned every facet of the 12-week exhibition. From branding and marketing initiatives—including an opening night party, strategic placements within the Charlotte Airport, billboards, rail signage, and other out-of-home assets—to the development of a mobile app allowing visitors to delve deeper into the artistry behind 175 trophies, no detail was overlooked.

Learn more on their website
Society Awards logo

the results

Ascent Strategic Communications managed the curation and interior design of the exhibit, ensuring that each trophy was presented in a manner befitting its status as a work of art. Descriptions for every displayed trophy were meticulously crafted to provide context and insight into the craftsmanship behind each piece.

The exhibition’s grand opening gala marked the culmination of months of planning and preparation. Throughout its duration, Ascent Strategic Communications orchestrated a series of smaller events aimed at introducing the Society Awards brand to new stakeholder audiences.

The “Beyond the Red Carpet” exhibit garnered significant media coverage, elevating Society Awards’ profile and solidifying its position at the intersection of art and achievement. By seamlessly integrating branding, storytelling, and experiential elements, Ascent Strategic Communications demonstrated our ability to conceive and execute innovative communication strategies that drive tangible results.

Through brand activation (the exhibition) the team created a new genre of art—awards as art.

 

Your growth starts here. Let’s get to work.

In their words

Hear from our clients

Brandon Shelton, Managing Partner
TFX Capital

We retained Anna and her team to provide counsel and execution at a key period of growth planning for TFX Capital. She and her team adapted to our industry, audience needs, and provided tremendous support throughout the process. Our messaging, story, and materials have never been more aligned. Ascent Strategic Communications is a dependable partner, and even more important, they are great people.

Angela Healy, CEO
AvenueWest

I had been searching for a public relations and communications partner for many months when I was introduced to Ascent Strategic Communications. Anna was exactly what I was looking for. In a very short time, she has become a vital part of our Company. I can’t imagine our Company without her.

Patroski Lawson, CEO
KPM Group DC

We have come to trust Ascent Strategic Communications's advice and professionalism and consider them a vital extension of our business. Most importantly, the team is kind, empathetic and always willing to go above and beyond on our behalf!

Ben Yarbrough, CEO
Calyptix Security

We couldn’t afford or find a communications director with the skills and experience that Anna has brought to the table. Anna and her team deliver first class service, collaboration, insights and results on a consistent and affordable budget. She has been a wonderful addition to our team to help us articulate and amplify our mission: secure, easy and affordable cybersecurity for small businesses.

Alex Butler, Founder and CEO
Scoutline Solutions

While starting a new business, I had the pleasure of working with ASC and will absolutely work with them again. Their work around branding and messaging was creative, professional and confident. Most importantly, they have awesome people who I enjoyed working alongside.

Rob Pressley, Managing Partner and CEO
MECA Commercial

In January of 2023, our 48-year-old company unaffiliated with a national CRE brand it had been a part of for 20 years. Over the last 18 months, ASC guided MECA Commercial Real Estate through a comprehensive analysis of its services, culture, and value proposition, making recommendations to convey that message to the public. Equally important, it allowed our team to rally around its newly defined identity. Our experience with ASC has been invaluable and would highly recommend their services to other companies.

Micki Cockrille, Director of Communications
National Cybersecurity Center

ASC helped articulate and empower the National Cybersecurity Center’s strategy and messaging during a transformative time in our organization’s history. Anna and her team are a kind and thoughtful resource, going above and beyond to ensure our brand is elevated to live up to our name.

James Dismond, CEO
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry

ASC's crisis management communications and their direction on change management in communications have been a game-changer for us. Their strategic guidance during challenging times has not only mitigated potential crises but also steered us towards thoughtful, impactful communication during times of change.

Jane Freeman, Executive Director
Baby Bundles

Anna Stallman Communications is an incredible partner to Baby Bundles. Their team is resourceful, strategic, thoughtful, and creative.  They have a solid understanding of our organization’s unique needs and perspective and their ability to help define and share our story has been transformative.

Angela Healy, CEO
AvenueWest

I had been searching for a public relations and communications partner for many months when I was introduced to Anna Stallmann Communications. Anna was exactly what I was looking for. In a very short time, she has become a vital part of our Company. I can’t imagine our Company without her.

Katie Landes, Senior Director, Strategy & Execution
KPM Group DC

Each interaction KPM Group DC has with the ASC team is a reminder of the wonderful decision we made to place our trust in the organization for all of our communications and branding/PR needs. If I had to sum up working with the ASC team in three words, I would choose: effortless, efficient, and positive. ASC supports a wide range of projects for us and does so in a fashion that seems so natural. The team is organized, driven, and quick - which ultimately allows them to support the ever-changing needs of small but growing companies like KPM. Finally, working with the ASC team is always a cheerful, pleasant experience that leaves me energized and inspired to move forward together.

Hailey Rorie, VP Marketing & Communications
Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF)

We are thrilled to collaborate with Ascent Strategic Communications! ASC excels at crafting compelling narratives and securing top-tier coverage, significantly boosting our brand's visibility and donor engagement. With a dedicated team of professionals, ASC is accessible every step of the way, offering personalized support to meet ISF's unique needs as we expand our reach beyond Charlotte.

Jeremiah Shirk, CEO
Showpiece Solutions

A moment of gratitude. Thank you all for helping shape this narrative.  It’s really coming together nicely and will prove critical to future growth and success.

Aaron Smith, President
OMSA

ASC has been a fundamental anchor for our team at OMSA, consistently driving us towards our goals with unwavering trust and collaboration.

Are you Ready?

Let's get started

Get in Touch