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The Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA) is a premier destination for performing and visual arts in the Bay Area region. The center presents more than 900 productions and serves more than 350,000 patrons each year. LCA’s facility is owned and operated by the City of Walnut Creek, California. Programming and administrative functions are provided by Diablo Regional Arts Association.
challenge
Though LCA had achieved a best in class reputation, its graphic identity lagged far behind. The new brand mark needed to resonate with production companies and and regional consumers alike. Furthermore, the Web experience needed to act as a portal for ticket sales, event registration and showcase LCA’s lively stage performances.
metaphor’s solution
metaphor conducted an Identity Audit with the City of Walnut Creek and The Lesher Center for The Arts. Our strategy was to create a logo that speaks to the energy in the performances at the center. The resulting logo mark incorporated flags that expressed movement and excitement, using three core colors and two secondary colors. The secondary colors are created when the three primary colors overlap.
The flag graphic was also intended to be seen as the graphically reduced representation of backs of audience seats, allowing for a dual interpretation. Additionally, the abstract elements represent LCA ‘s multiple theaters and the wide array of performances experienced at the center. Environmental signs, actual exterior flags, an identity system, usher uniforms and other brand applications have evolved from the brand identity.
metaphor designed and programmed a Web site with a calendar feature, online
ticket ordering, gift certificate ecommerce, e-mail campaign collection/
management and flash animation.
LesherArtsCenter.org is managed via metaphor’s proprietary content management system,
editspot. Now site administrators can update site content in real time using simple word processing skills. metaphor is developing a strategic marketing plan and brand awareness
advertising campaign for early 2008.
