Case Study
School Loops in Community on Landmark Labyrinth
Clients: Education
Services: School Communications and Editorial Services
Healing Space Invites Public to Reflect, De-Stress
THE SITUATION
When Laura Bishop Communications learned Middle Township High School received a sizeable grant to construct a walkable labyrinth, we knew there was more to this story. We approached the client after recognizing the value in sharing plans for this space – and progress – with the broader community that would benefit from it.
Then COVID-19 hit, delaying the original completion date that would have coincided with World Labyrinth Day. LBC was determined not to let the story fade. We realized the pandemic would further the need for a space such as this, designed for healing, stress relief, and reflection.
THE STRATEGY
LBC communicated progress as the labyrinth timeline shifted. We shared photos and videos with media outlets including the Press of Atlantic City and Cape May County Herald.
Finally, LBC could invite reporters to visit the new landmark before its official opening. The goal, as always, was to remain proactive in telling this story to support our client’s goals. In this instance, the main goal was raising awareness of a space that, although delayed, was completed at just the right time for community healing.
THE WIN
The Press of Atlantic City jumped at the chance for a sneak peek of the space, sending a reporter and videographer onsite during installation to interview the art teacher who developed the project and students who created custom pavers that line the path. The interview resulted in a feature story, with accompanying video and a photo gallery. The story drove community members to the official opening ceremony in June 2021 and let countless others know the space was officially open for public use. Furthermore, the school shared credit for this on-brand, innovative and altruistic project with the grant funders: Artists in Education (AIE) Residency Program, a co-sponsored project of the NJ State Council on the Arts and Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA.
