Marketing

Growth Strategist

+

WHAT I DO

I work with cultural organizations at pivotal moments. I help senior leaders think strategically, act boldly, and build their vision into lasting impact.

Book a Consultation

CONTACT

sprentiss@artfulstrategies.org
+1.608.628.8832

IS YOUR ORGANIZATION READY TO GROW?

Cultural organizations do meaningful work. The challenge is turning big ideas into action, and action into impact. That requires connecting strategy, brand, and a deep understanding of your audiences.

Drawing on 25+ years in major cultural institutions, I partner with senior leaders to build the clarity, strategy, and momentum to deliver on your bold mission.

  • I help cultural organizations build a powerful engine for growth — connecting strategy, brand, and audience insight into work that drives results.

    • Develop integrated campaigns across channels

    • Refine customer journeys to grow repeat visitorship and conversion

    • Evaluate your marketing — tone, targeting, emotional resonance— and redirect toward what works

    • Create effective retention strategies to build loyalty across the spectrum of engagement

    • Guide digital marketing transformation, from strategy through technology selection

    • Identify new programming opportunities that open doors to new markets

    • Evaluate team structure and talent, and lead organizational change with clarity

    • Build internal capacity to sustain and grow the work

    • Align stakeholders around shared goals and a clear direction

    • Turn vision into integrated, workable plans

    • Lead change thoughtfully — with attention to team culture and morale

    • Guide and refine your mission/vision/values and brand positioning

    • Facilitate board retreats that leave leaders aligned, energized, and ready to act

    • Clarify your unique value proposition and the story only you can tell

    • Analyze the competitive landscape and sharpen your differentiation

    • Align leadership and stakeholders around a single, coherent brand voice

    • Lead rebranding and digital initiatives

    • Build strategic partnerships that immerse you in your community

    • Assess your visitor experience — identifying gaps, reducing friction, and creating brand-aligned touchpoints

    • Identify new programming opportunities that open doors to new markets

    • Design audience-centric engagement strategies

    • Develop and refine your target audiences and how to reach them

    • Identify where new patron growth will come from

    • Turn research and data insights into action

    • Evaluate your analytics and reporting capabilities and advise on best practices

    • Craft compelling brand messaging and content strategy

    • Optimize team structure and culture for peak performance

    • Guide leadership transitions with expert mentorship

    • Navigate venue transitions

I care about organizations that make the world better.

I provide strategy and insight that drives results—freeing you to focus on your mission.

  • C-suite leadership experience and 25+ years generating revenue and relevance for major cultural institutions

  • Audience-centric, results-driven approaches

  • Join a group of phenomenal clients

How It Works

  1. Book an introductory call.

  2. Review your custom proposal.

  3. We execute the plan together.

  • Sherri brings strong leadership skills, a keen analytical sense, an instinct for breakthrough creative, a passion for understanding customers, and a dedication to the art that results in lasting success.

    —David Snead, Former President & CEO, Handel + Haydn Society

  • Sherri has been a trusted advisor and exceptional partner in building our sustainable membership strategy, and I couldn't recommend her more highly. What sets her apart is her clear, thoughtful approach to problem-solving. She doesn't just offer advice, she rolls up her sleeves and becomes part of the team. Sherri steps in strategically, building capacity and helping teams work more smoothly and effectively. She feels less like an outside consultant and more like a beloved colleague who cares deeply about our success.

    —Bridget Keane, Chief of External Affairs, Boston Athenaeum

  • Sherri played a key role in the transformation of Calgary Opera's marketing and communications. Our work is light years ahead thanks to her incredible insight, interim leadership, and expertise.

    —Sue Elliott, General Director and CEO, Calgary Opera

  • Sherri understands the pulse of current audience trends in post-pandemic world. She is a marketing guru and business leader providing mission-driven strategies that enhance audience development, retention, and donor satisfaction.

    —Marie-Hélène Bernard, President and CEO, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

  • Sherri combines strategic insight with practical recommendations for implementing complex process change. She is a patient listener and thought partner. She cares deeply…and encourages adaptation, innovation, and evolution. I can't recommend her highly enough.

    —John Forsyte, President, Pacific Symphony

  • She's a leader that excels regardless of the context. Sherri is both thoughtful and probing… and gets to result. She's a star.

    —Trey Devey, President, Interlochen Center for the Arts

  • Sherri was a strategic thought partner on our brand refresh. She’s the perfect blend of creative and strategic across all facets of brand strategy, helping to crystallize key insights on current and future audiences. She is a joy to work with—smart, strategic, and fun—the best kind of consulting partner.

    —Dana Long, VP of Marketing and Communications, Pacific Symphony

  • I saw firsthand her ability to pair creative vision with organizational expertise and discipline to achieve results. She strengthened teams through periods of transition, sharpened brand positioning, and drove substanial audience growth. A curious and passionate participant in the cultural sector, Sherri is a trusted thought partner whose insights made possible many of our strides as an organization.

    Robert McGrath, President & CEO, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra