Violet PR is thrilled that our media relations campaign for Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) has made the shortlist for the prestigious PRSA Silver Anvil Awards in the “Community Relations” category. Considered the “Oscars” of the public relations industry, the Anvil Awards honor the very best communications programs planned and executed each year.

Despite its status as one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest arts and entertainment venues, Newark Symphony Hall was often overlooked by the N.J. media compared with other performing arts centers. And during COVID-19, no live performances were taking place to promote. Violet PR was hired in the middle of the pandemic to get the word out about NSH to raise funds for a $50M capital improvement campaign.

To reach this goal, Violet PR crafted news releases and pitches that communicated the venue’s history and legacy, its important role in Newark’s resurgence, its opportunities for local performing artists, and status as a home for creators of color.

In just 15 months, Violet PR secured over 180 placements for NSH, including features in Essence and Ebony. In total, our coverage for NSH generated 4.92 million views, 1.48 billion web impressions, and 23,600 social media shares. Highlights included a five-page cover story in NJ Monthly in March 2021 featuring the Hall’s CEO, Taneshia Nash Laird, and multiple features in NJBIZ, New Jersey Business, ROI-NJ and NJ.com—the state’s most influential news outlets.

In fact, media attention and messaging around NSH as the state’s only Black-led performing arts center convinced N.J. Governor Murphy to add a $5 million line item for Newark Symphony Hall in its fiscal year 2022 budget – the first time NSH was formally allocated state funds in more than two decades.

“The media coverage Violet PR secured means I make nearly no cold calls to potential donors and programming partners; people have already been warmed up to Newark Symphony Hall by the extensive broadcast segments and print stories on our work underway and future plans,” said Nash Laird of the campaign.

The full list of finalists can be found here. Winners and runners-up will be announced on May 19 at New York City’s Edison Ballroom.

Good luck to our fellow shortlistees!