Collins Center for the Arts
CASE STUDY
How we set the stage for a modern, engaging digital experience at the Collins Center for the Arts
The Collins Center for the Arts (CCA) at the University of Maine has been a beacon for performing arts in the region since its opening. Hosting diverse performances, from world-renowned orchestras and Broadway shows to local talent showcases, CCA needed an updated, modernized online presence that matched its dynamic offerings.
From campus cornerstone to cultural powerhouse, how a strategic digital transformation empowered the Collins Center for the Arts to captivate audiences, simplify event discovery, and spotlight its dynamic programming.
Challenges Faced
The project’s complexity lay in its size and diversity of content. With numerous categories of events—from concerts and theatrical productions to lectures and community events—the website required clear navigation and robust, yet flexible design solutions. Additionally, navigating the layers of approval and compliance typical of a large public university presented its own challenges.
Objectives
- Modernize the web presence to reflect CCA’s vibrant cultural offerings.
- Ensure seamless compliance with University of Maine branding guidelines.
- Create a visually appealing, image-driven site that showcases upcoming events effectively.
- Implement an intuitive, user-friendly content management system to allow staff easy updates.
- Optimize website performance for speed and mobile accessibility.
The Strategy
We collaborated closely with the Collins Center for the Arts team, taking a holistic approach to align their online presence with both institutional requirements and user expectations. Leveraging detailed audience insights, we restructured site navigation to effortlessly guide visitors through diverse event offerings—from Broadway shows and lectures to concerts and community performances. A custom WordPress solution was tailored to balance visually-rich content with ease of management, enabling CCA staff to keep the website fresh and relevant with minimal effort. We prioritized mobile responsiveness and fast load times, recognizing their critical role in audience engagement and satisfaction. This approach ensured that every interaction with the Collins Center online would mirror the exceptional quality of their in-person experience.
The Results
+40%
Increased mobile traffic in the first year following launch.
+35%
Faster page load times.
Positive user feedback highlighting improved usability and visual appeal
“The new Collins Center website exceeded our expectations in every way. Our audience finds it much easier to discover events, and our staff appreciates the simplicity of managing updates. The collaboration was smooth despite institutional complexities—we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Karen Cole, Executive Director, Collins Center for the Arts
Ready to Take Center Stage?
If you’re looking for a creative partner to help your brand shine
— from strategic campaigns to stand-out storytelling —
let’s make some magic together.