Pioneer Courthouse Square
From hard-hit icon to leader of revitalization.
Since its inception in 1984, Pioneer Courthouse Square has been a gathering place for Portland locals and visitors alike.
After thirty-seven years of delivering on its promise to enrich and unite Portland through thousands of community programmed events, The Square found itself in a city center struggling to survive with the COVID-19 crisis, searching for new and creative ways to fulfill their mission.
- Strategy & Consulting
- Messaging
- Design & Production
- Awareness & Engagement
We worked with The Square’s team to drive consumer awareness of Pioneer Courthouse Square and its programming through social media, community engagement, and media relations.
A New Look for a Familiar Place
Our initial work with The Square focused on helping them communicate what it means to be the place “where Portland comes together.”
We completely refreshed their brand identity—from their logo and brand guidelines to their mission, goals, and core messaging. We also researched, wrote, and designed their biennial report, which documented the compelling work they’ve done during a difficult period for downtown Portland.
In the News
From national outlets such as The Wall Street Journal to local newspapers such as Willamette Week, The Square was credited with supporting the arts and reminding people of the vibrancy of the city’s downtown core.
We not only helped position The Square as a civic leader, but also promoted key events and initiatives.
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100+ Pieces of Coverage
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225M+ Online Readership
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1M+ Estimated Coverage Views
Storytelling Platforms
While managing The Square’s Instagram account, it grew from 4,800 to 14,200 followers and featured a viral post that was viewed over three million times.
By creating a consistent social media presence and newsletter for The Square, we documented and drove interest for special events like Polka Dot Downtown and PDX Live, as well as ongoing programming like Carts on The Square and brick sales—amplifying positive awareness of the downtown, promoting local artists, and growing The Square’s digital presence.
Instagram Spotlight
2021 Polka Dot Downtown Campaign:
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65 Instagram Posts
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625+ Instagram Stories
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24% Increase in Followers
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122k+ Accounts Reached
Special Initiative: Welcome Dome
The Welcome Dome was a three-month partnership with the City of Portland Recovery & Events Action Table in 2022. The temporary, semi-enclosed community space hosted free events, workshops, art installations, and performances from April 6 – June 10, 2022.
We created the project’s visual identity—from core branding to content design for social media—and the core messaging.
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50 Arts Programs
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75 Days
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$100k in Grants for BIPOC Artists
Project Services
Strategy & Consulting
Research
Strategic partnerships
Audience Definition
Brand Audit
Messaging
Core Brand Messaging
General Copywriting
Brand Identity & Voice
Impact & Annual Reports
Design & Production
Visual Identity
Collateral & Environmental
Print & Publication
Special Projects & Campaigns
Illustration
Media Relations
Target Media Development
Story & Angle Development
Press Relations & Outreach
Press Releases
Thought Leadership
Industry Roundup Pitches
Awareness & Engagement
Social Media strategy and management
Performance Analytics
Content production
Newsletter and blog production
Community Partnerships & Collaborations