CConversations: Deanne Moser, Founder of DMPUBLIC
WELCOME TO CCONVERSATIONS — PRESENTED BY THE CC EDIT
WHERE WE CONNECT WITH FELLOW CREATIVES AND INNOVATORS TO DISCUSS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE PURSUIT OF CREATIVE ENDEAVOURS.
IN THIS CCONVERSATION WE CONNECT WITH DEANNE MOSER, FOUNDER OF DMPUBLIC.
In this CConversation, we connect with Deanne Moser, founder of DMPUBLIC, Canada’s first and only PR agency dedicated to arts and culture. In a landscape often dominated by commercial interests, DMPUBLIC champions creative voices, bridging the gap between marketing strategy and cultural intention. As an art enthusiast, Deanne invites us into her world, sharing insights on the themes of her personal art collection and the importance of creative thinking over fleeting trends.
Through Deanne’s unique perspective, we explore how DMPUBLIC not only elevates artistic narratives but also fosters a deeper connection between artists and their audiences. Join us as we delve into Deanne's journey, uncovering the factors that inspire her and the transformative power of art in our society.
HI DEANNE! WELCOME TO CCONVERSATIONS. FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH DMPUBLIC, COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE AGENCY AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START IT?
DMPUBLIC is a public relations agency that specializes in arts and culture. I started it after working for many years at other agencies, where cultural clients were left behind for bigger-budget clients. I’ve always been heavily involved and interested in the arts and saw an opportunity where I could bridge the gap between marketing strategy and cultural intention.
YOUR CROSS-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH IS A DEFINING PILLAR OF DMPUBLIC. HOW HAS THIS APPROACH SHAPED YOUR WORK, INFLUENCED THE DIRECTION OF THE AGENCY AND IMPACTED YOUR CLIENTS?
I bring big agency thinking to my clients and often recommend and implement PR tactics typically used for brands, not cultural audiences. Ultimately, we are in the business of sales and awareness. The more people who know about festivals or exhibitions, the more people will consider coming to check them out. Attendance and ticket sales are very important, as often my clients need to deliver on grants and other funding deliverables.
WHAT EMERGING TRENDS AT THE INTERSECTION OF ARTS, CULTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
I don’t know about emerging trends, but I am excited about creative ideas and thinking. Nothing is more exciting than doing something no one has ever done. I like fun, surprise and delight, no matter if it’s at my home, at the events I throw or what I wear. The element of the unexpected is exciting. I love bringing in new audiences and showing them something new.
WHAT ARE THE MOST TREASURED PIECES IN YOUR ART COLLECTION, AND WHAT KEY FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER WHEN ACQUIRING NEW PIECES?
I started my collection about ten years ago with no real plan or direction. After many acquisitions, I can see a theme emerge, which I’m really excited about. I think the best way to describe the collection right now would be figurative abstraction from a female gaze. I have works by Cindy Phenix, Rajni Perera, Timothy Yanick Hunter, Dahae Song, Siena Smith, Caroline Mauxion, Aaron Jones and others. When I purchase new pieces, I consider how they fit into the collection and the degree of which my eye is interested - typically, I like work that isn't too obvious.
HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED AND INFORMED? ARE THERE SPECIFIC BOOKS, COURSES, OR PLATFORMS YOU’D RECOMMEND TO THOSE SEEKING TO BUILD CAREERS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS OR THE ARTS?
No matter what, stay curious. To stay informed on arts and culture, I travel to other cities, attend art fairs, exhibitions, festivals, sports games, concerts, etc. It’s important to understand what is new from both a cultural perspective as well as a marketing perspective. I like to observe how brand sponsors play within the experience, how journalists cover the experience and what else is being activated around it. For example, Art Basel Miami started as one art fair and now it is a week of thousands of events and millions of dollars in tourism.
For public relations, it’s so important for interested professionals to read the magazines, listen and watch the news, and pay attention to social media trends. It’s also important to know what’s on the come up so you can leverage that information to help your client. PR people tend to know what restaurant is the “it” spot, what is happening in fashion, design, food, etc.
HOW DO YOU SEE DMPUBLIC CONTRIBUTING TO THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE SECTORS, AND WHAT KIND OF LEGACY ARE YOU AIMING TO ESTABLISH?
I hope to put Canadian art and culture on the world map in a contemporary way. We have such great talent that comes out of our country. I want people from all over the world to recognize and learn about Canadian contemporary art. It’s been over 100 years since the Group of Seven and I would like to change the narrative.
AS FALL/WINTER APPROACHES, ARE THERE ANY EVENTS YOU ARE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT? WHAT SHOULD ART ENTHUSIASTS BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THIS SEASON?
Art Toronto is always on my hit list. This year, the Toronto Biennial of Art returns until December 1st and is spread across 11 sites around the city. This is a truly special (free) event that I highly recommend. Stop in for 5 mins or do it all. I’m excited about seeing how our city sites are exploring arts, for example The Bentway and Union. How cool is it that you can be doing your normal routine and see some world class art on a walk? As the holidays approach, I love dressing up and going to the theatre, seeing at least one show from the National Ballet and at Koerner Hall.
INTERESTED IN MORE? FIND DEANNE MOSER AND DMPUBLIC ONLINE HERE OR ON INSTAGRAM @DEANNEMOSER @DMPUBLIC
ARTICLE HOSTED BY: CANDICE CRISTÓVÃO
IMAGE DETAILS:
PHOTOSHOOT CURATED BY: CCURATE
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: SAMMIE CHAN (HERE)
LOCATION: THE DRAKE HOTEL