Communications
& Economic
Impact Study

 

“What Kaptivate really did was come in and truly listen. They broke everything down and gave us a plan—how to grow revenue, bring more stakeholders on board, and build community support. It was masterful.”

Alison Sigethy, Torpedo Factory Artist Association

Kaptivate Partnered with the Torpedo Factory to Shape a Bold and Sustainable Future

At a pivotal moment in its history, the Torpedo Factory Artists Association (TFAA) sought to demonstrate its readiness to lead and sustain operations of the iconic Torpedo Factory Art Center. Kaptivate partnered with the artist-led organization to develop a strategic business plan and communications approach that would substantiate TFAA’s vision for the future—grounded in community leadership, creative vitality, and financial sustainability.

Overview

This project unfolded during a time of institutional uncertainty and high public interest. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, a landmark with over 600,000 annual visitors and deep cultural roots in Alexandria, Virginia, required a thoughtful, urgent response to preserve its legacy and shape its future. With a broad spectrum of stakeholders and limited time, the initiative demanded strategic precision, inclusive collaboration, and public-facing transparency.


Solution

Kaptivate delivered an integrated set of solutions designed to inform decision-makers, mobilize public support, and position TFAA as a credible, capable steward of the Art Center. These efforts equipped the TFAA with the strategic foundation and public support needed to confidently advance its case for leadership and control of the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Project Highlights

  1. Strategic Planning

    Partnering with over 180 artists to co-create a business roadmap focused on financial resilience, service expansion, and performance benchmarks.

  2. Communications Strategy

    Designing and executing a full-scale public engagement campaign, including political advocacy, grassroots outreach, and media relations.

  3. Economic Impact Study

    Conducting research and analysis to quantify the Art Center’s value to Alexandria’s economy and cultural landscape.

  4. Business Plan Development 

    We developed a strategic plan with new revenue models, a capital campaign with the City of Alexandria, and a framework for accountability.

  5. Communications & Advocacy

    We created a communications toolkit to launch a campaign that reached local and national audiences and engaged key stakeholders.

  6. Economic Impact Analysis

    Through visitor surveys and data analysis, we produced a compelling economic impact study, underscoring the Torpedo Factory’s role as a cornerstone of Alexandria’s tourism economy and cultural identity.

Our Work

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