The Modern’s Students Contribute to DAI’s New Brand

[KETTERING, OH, 3/7/19] – At its annual membership meeting last Thursday, the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) unveiled its new brand to kick off the museum’s 100th year. The Modern’s students were recognized during the meeting for their initial contributions to the rebranding. These preliminary ideas assisted the museum, whose team then designed the final logo.

DAI’s rebranding process began in 2017 with a course that The Modern specifically tailored to reimagine the museum’s brand. Instructed by Brent Presley, four teams of students spent a semester rethinking and redesigning the museum’s brand. Students presented their market research, concepts, and logo designs to a panel of DAI representatives.

Using this feedback from students, DAI’s External Affairs Director, Alexis Larsen, created the final design for the new logo. This is the first substantial overhaul of the museum’s branding since the mid-1990s.

In addition to this rebrand initiative, The Modern partners with the Dayton Art Institute throughout the year. Students receive a membership to the museum and have contributed artwork for the Leo Bistro. President Jessica Barry offers her strategic guidance as a member of DAI’s board of trustees, currently serving her second term.

“We are proud of the work our students presented to DAI and are honored to have played a small role in developing a new brand that will be part of our community for years to come,” shared Jessica Barry, president of The Modern. "On the heels of our own rebrand, we fully understand that a brand must reflect who you are as an organization and where you are going. This was an excellent partnership with an organization that shares our aim to champion the visual arts.”