• by Fern Siegel , January 3, 2024

Hartford, Connecticut is launching a $300,000 marketing campaign early next year to promote its cultural institutions.

Hartford Symphony, Wadsworth Antheneum Museum, Hartford Athletic, and Connecticut Science Center are all partner organizations.

The Hartford Yard Goats, a minor league baseball team, is also part of the effort.

The #FeeltheBeat campaign by agency Elkinson and Sloves will include digital ads, broadcast and billboards to highlight the capital’s attractions, which range from the Hartford Brewery to riverfront rowing to Mark Twain's house and museum.

“One of the things we have long wanted to do is help spread the word about the incredible arts, culture and sports we have in this city,” Mayor Luke Bronin said. “This is a city that punches way above its weight when it comes to arts, culture and sports, the outgoing mayor told The Hartford Courant.

Covid wreaked havoc with the city’s cultural institutions and the campaign hopes to up attendance numbers.

“When you’re at the ballpark, you’re in downtown Hartford,” added Hartford Yard Goats president Tim Restall. “A rising tide lifts all boats. Because if the Yard Goats are successful and someone else in the city isn’t. That’s a failure. We want to truly support our other partners.”

The most recent campaign, Love Hartford, aimed at filling city residents with civic pride.

The difference here is the new marketing campaign will target those outside the city as a possible boon to business.