Case Study

developing a pr strategy that’s signed, sealed & delivered

Motown Museum is one of Michigan’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. Founded in 1985, the Museum’s mission is to preserve the legacy of Motown Record Corporation and to educate and inspire the next generation of artists, creatives and entrepreneurs—through exhibitions and programs that promote Motown’s values of vision, creativity and entrepreneurship. 

Motown Museum has been an Identity client for more than a decade. From a surprise visit by a former First Lady to a bevy of special events featuring some of entertainment’s brightest star power, Identity has envisioned Motown Museum’s PR strategy, shaped its external messaging, engaged hundreds of thousands of fans online through compelling content and driven international, national and local media coverage of its most high-profile, important and exciting moments in the iconic destination’s history.

strategy for success

Identity deployed the following strategies and tactics to achieve success for Motown Museum:

media relations

Over the past decade, Identity has led all media relations efforts for Motown Museum—including the media management and announcement of the passing of founder Esther Gordy Edwards, the announcement of the museum’s $55 expansion, the institution’s role in Motown’s 60th anniversary and countless celebrity visits, educational programs, community initiatives, philanthropic efforts and more.

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media mentions
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media impressions

social media

With one of the world’s most passionate fan bases and social communities, Motown Museum requires a constant stream of entertaining and informative social content that engages fans and communicates Motown history, current event opportunities and museum programming —all of which Identity has owned, executed and consistently elevated for years.

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social impressions
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engagements
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followers gained

motown 60 weekend

The Identity team developed a comprehensive PR and communications strategy for Motown Museum throughout Motown’s celebratory 60th anniversary year of, culminating in the museum’s signature event, the Motown 60 Weekend—a legendary series of events from Sept. 21-23, 2019, packed with Motown alumni, iconic celebrities, dignitaries, international and national media, milestone announcements, toe-tapping concerts and a red carpet press moment prior to the gala honoring the man himself, Berry Gordy.

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live video views
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events with media moments
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media stories
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media impressions
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publicity value
marvin gaye drive

50 years of what’s going on

The museum is the torchbearer of key Motown history moments, and in 2021, that moment was the 50th anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s iconic “What’s Going On” album. With the societal challenges present at the time, Motown Museum was uniquely positioned to celebrate the cultural issues present in the album and discuss how they were “still going on.” Identity assisted with crafting the vision and the message for the annual “What’s Going On/Still Going On” strategy, including milestone moments throughout the year that reflected on the iconic album and Marvin Gaye’s legendary talent, and strongly conveyed the museum’s messaging as the caretaker of the story, sharing the history and legacy throughout the world for generations to come, including a “What’s Going On Day” proclamation from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a special street naming dedication ceremony at the intersection near where Marvin Gaye conceptualized the album, and a number of other events throughout the year.

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media events
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media impressions
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media stories