top of page

West Side Fest

Partner

West Side Cultural Network

Role

Design Chair in Steering Committee
Creative Producer

West Side Fest is an initiative of the West Side Cultural Network (WSCN) that unites over 20 museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions along Manhattan’s West Side to celebrate the area's vibrant cultural offerings. In its inaugural year in 2023, the festival emerged as a major multi-site event, drawing both New Yorkers and visitors to explore the dynamic cultural landscape along the Hudson River. 


Ola joined the steering committee to lead the design and branding efforts for West Side Fest. She played a crucial role in shaping the festival's visual identity and overseeing the development of an array of large-scale print and digital deliverables, including the festival’s website. Teaming up with key leaders from participating cultural institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Shed, Ola was instrumental in securing pro bono contributions from Collins, a strategy and brand experience design company, and Wix Playground,, a leading web platform.


The result of these efforts was a brand that embodies the West Side Cultural Network's (WSCN) mission of fostering collaboration among local institutions. By partnering with Collins, Wix, and over 20 cultural organizations, the team developed a diverse range of promotional materials, including social media assets, digital and print advertisements, and a targeted press campaign. These initiatives enhanced visibility and engagement, ensuring that West Side Fest resonated with both local residents and visitors while effectively showcasing the area's vibrant cultural offering.


The committee employed highly effective, partnership-driven marketing strategies that emphasized collaboration and the strength of its visual identity. Through key sponsorships, the festival secured free screen time from local advertisers and financial support for a neighbrohood-wide wild posting campaign. These ads, placed in high-visibility locations such as scaffolding and designated advertising spots, were bolstered by volunteers distributing postcards and posters throughout the neighborhood. Additionally, the committee leveraged each organization's reach across their social media platforms and email bases for maximum impact. This coordinated effort ensured that the festival’s branding and event details were prominently displayed, building strong community awareness and reinforcing the festival’s identity.


Despite the budget constraints, West Side Fest gained impressive media attention, generating over 609 million media impressions through a combination of creative advertising and extensive press coverage. The inaugural event attracted 43,000 attendees in 2023, and this number skyrocketed to 130,000 in 2024, highlighting the festival's growth and increasing influence as a cultural force in New York City. The event’s success also earned a proclamation from Mayor Eric Adams, who declared 'West Side Fest Day,' underscoring the festival’s significance and enhancing its profile within the cultural landscape.

Photography by Filip Wolak, Christine Butler, courtesy of West Side Cultural Network

bottom of page