How BuzzPR Helped Art From the Streets Raise Awareness, Increase Donations, and Expand Nationally
Founded in 1991, Art From the Streets (AFTS) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to providing a safe, encouraging environment where individuals experiencing homelessness can create and sell artwork.
While the organization is best known for its annual art show and sale, the heart of its mission lies in the twice-weekly open studio art classes that provide participants with creative expression, community connection, and a supportive environment.
Through these programs, individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness gain opportunities to develop artistic skills, build confidence, and engage with others in meaningful ways.
The Challenge
Operating in a highly competitive nonprofit landscape, Art From the Streets faced the challenge of increasing community awareness beyond its existing base of loyal supporters.
The organization needed to:
- Expand local visibility and brand recognition
- Increase attendance at its annual fundraising event
- Drive greater community engagement
- Generate additional donations to support programming
- Differentiate itself among numerous nonprofit organizations competing for attention and funding
The Solution
Dana served as PR Chair working alongside the Founders and Board of Directors to develop and execute a community relations and public awareness campaign designed to elevate the organization’s profile throughout the Austin community.
The strategy focused on:
- Community relations and local outreach
- Media relations and earned media opportunities
- Event promotion and awareness-building
- Storytelling centered around the artists and mission
- Audience engagement initiatives designed to attract new supporters and donors
By amplifying the organization’s impact and human-centered mission, Dana helped introduce Art From the Streets to a broader audience while strengthening support among existing advocates.
Results
$90,000 Raised
The annual show and sale event generated $90,000 in funds raised, providing critical support for the organization’s programs and services.
1,900 Event Attendees
Community engagement increased substantially, attracting 1,900 attendees to the annual show and sale event.
Increased Attendance and Donations
The campaign delivered measurable growth, including:
- 20% increase in attendance
- 30% increase in donations
The campaign’s success extended well beyond Austin. Increased visibility and fundraising results generated interest from community leaders across the country who wanted to replicate the Art From the Streets model in their own cities. In partnership with leadership, we developed a scalable expansion framework (eg., marketing resources, messaging, operational guidance, and launch materials) that enabled local advocates to establish similar programs while preserving the organization’s mission and impact.