Strategy + Growth

for Cultural Organizations

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 FOR GREATER IMPACT?

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 mission.

    • Step into interim or fractional executive roles during leadership transitions and growth

    • Build the team and operating systems that let an organization sustain and grow its pace

    • Drive priority initiatives

    • Counsel CEOs and boards on decisions that shape the organization’s direction

    • Facilitate planning that aligns leaders, build momentum, and drive action

    • Turn vision into integrated plans that stakeholders share and can execute

    • Lead change with attention to team culture and morale

    • Define your unique value and sharpen mission, vision, and values

    • Build cohesive brand narratives and messaging

    • Guide rebrands and brand evolution, including work with agency partners

    • Build partnerships that root you in your community

  • 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

    • 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

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 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 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 understands the pulse of current audience trends. 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 results. 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

  • Sherri's brand positioning study was thoroughly researched and a very collaborative process, resulting in a presentation to the full board and staff that was understandable and actionable... We consider her a partner as we have a small staff and cannot support an in-house team... Her careful planning and preparation and thoughtful approach to strong personalities and big ideas made our time together fun, engaging, and fruitful.

    Jean-Marie Procious
    Executive Director, Salem Athenaeum