2010 Design Challenge - 2nd Nomination (Branding, Culture/Arts)

Here's a local nomination: The Washington Ballet's Nutcracker communications materials - programs, publicity, etc. produced by Design Army, a local firm located in the hip-fringe-destination-cum-ghetto, H St NE  Very bold, modern, festive with a Washington twist.  It takes the stuffiness out of ballet. [Note: Because of the flash player on Design Army's site, you can't see the comms materials in the link. If you're interested in checking it out, click on Design on the home page (linked above), then branding, scroll down to Washington Ballet Nutcracker, and enjoy!  It's worth it.]

Artistic Director Septime Webre has really re-envisioned the Nutcracker story to depict Revolutionary Times. The Nutcracker is George Washington, the Mouse King is King George III of England; the family Christmas party takes place in a Georgetown mansion with a special party guest, Frederick Douglas.  Later, in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairies (or in this case the Cherry Blossom Fairies), fantasy scenes depict other Americana and Washington references - the Anacostia Indians, Daniel Boone's frontier, southern river boats and hot-air balloons set against the back-drop scenery of the Tidal Basin in springtime.  It's a refreshing interpretation of the Russian Tchaikovsky ballet, and perfect for a DC and DC-tourist audience.

Design Army's branding materials carry this freshness and energy through, and help define the experience.  Nice deal - great design, local players, arts and culture space.  Hurray!