Former Sotheby’s marketing executive seeks to expand the agency’s reach among art museums, performing arts organizations, non-profits and other cultural groups.
NEW YORK—Kevin Bradley has joined entertainment advertising and marketing agency AKA NYC as Cultural Business Supervisor. Bradley brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing for arts organizations and non-profits, including leadership roles with Sotheby’s, Washington DC’s Signature Theatre and Momentum Worldwide. In his new role, Bradley will focus on developing relationships with performing arts groups, museums and other cultural organizations nationwide.
Bradley’s arrival is part of AKA NYC’s broader effort to diversify beyond its core business in marketing for Broadway shows and other live events. Managing Partner Scott Moore says that the firm’s innovative “360 strategy,” an integrated package of advertising, marketing, partnerships, interactive, research and campaign management, can benefit a range of organizations and brands.
“We are seeking to branch out and create new opportunities for our staff to work on projects that are challenging and stimulating,” Moore states. “We do a lot of work for institutional clients in the theater space and find that very rewarding. Cultural organizations are a natural fit for us; we believe we have a lot to offer such groups.”
Moore adds that Bradley is an ideal choice to help lead that effort. “Kevin brings intelligence, savvy and deep experience in working with high-profile arts organizations,” he says. “He also has tremendous passion for culture and the arts.”
AKA’s London office, has a long history of working with museums, performing arts groups, non-profits and governmental bodies, including London’s Tate Modern, Royal Opera House and National Theatre.
Bradley most recently led the independent marketing consultancy Stringham Lane Marketing. Previously, he served as Senior Brand Strategist/Head of Marketing Communications for Sotheby’s, New York. His background also includes Director of Marketing and Communications for Signature Theatre, Manger, Business Leadership for Momentum Worldwide, and Business Development Manager for Plum Benefits.
Bradley’s career highlights include the marketing strategy and content development behind Sotheby’s record-breaking auction of Edvard Munch’s The Scream; the marketing campaign for Signature Theatre’s world premiere of Michael John Lachiusa’s Giant; the advertising launch behind the opening of the Rubin Museum of Art; and off-Broadway advertising campaigns for the Tony Award®-winning I Am My Own Wife and Grey Gardens. He has worked with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Martha Graham Dance Company, the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Public Library, the Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper Hewitt Museum and Playwrights Horizons.
Bradley says that cultural institutions are facing increased challenges in funding and audience development. “The media market has fragmented and cultural groups face more competition than ever for people’s time,” he observes. “Organizations need to be more creative and tech savvy in reaching audiences.”
“AKA combines a dynamic creative and aesthetic approach with state-of-the-art analytics,” he adds. “The agency has a great team and an outstanding body of work. It makes it very easy for me to talk to organizations about how we can help them.”
About AKA
AKA is a global, full-service advertising agency with offices in the US, UK and Australia. The AKA Group, including Digital Media Services and the film advertising agency The Creative Partnership, delivers creative, strategic and insightful campaigns to the entertainment and culture industry worldwide.
The New York office, led by Elizabeth Furze and Scott Moore, delivers innovative solutions across media, marketing, partnerships, interactive, creative, broadcast content, insights, and campaign management, with a proven record for producing sales-driven campaigns for premium, must-see productions, venues, exhibitions and events.
Current and recent NYC clients include: 2012 Tony Award® Best Musical winner Once, Matilda The Musical, Rock of Ages, Les Misérables, It’s Only a Play, The Audience, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two, The Heidi Chronicles, Hand to God, Living on Love and 2014 Tony Award Best Play winner All the Way.
For more information, visit akanyc.net