Arts Ed NJ
Arts Ed NJ faced a critical problem common to many mission-driven nonprofits: their digital presence had evolved into a fragmented archive rather than an effective advocacy tool. With content scattered across three separate websites (artsednj.org, njgaae.org, and ArtsEdSEL.org), each suffering from outdated technology and accessibility issues, the organization struggled to effectively communicate their mission of ensuring "arts education for every child, every day, every year."
The Challenge
The technical challenges were severe—an outdated theme incompatible with modern PHP versions had created security vulnerabilities, and conflicts with Elementor made content editing nearly impossible. But the deeper issue was strategic: years of adding content had turned their websites into digital file cabinets rather than action-oriented platforms. Navigation was confusing, with unlabeled external links bouncing users between sites, inconsistent layouts undermining credibility, and accessibility barriers contradicting their inclusive mission.
For an organization working to advocate for arts education policy, mobilize community support, and provide resources to educators across New Jersey, this fragmented digital presence was actively hindering their ability to achieve their goals.
Our Approach
We began with a fundamental question: What should these websites do for Arts Ed NJ's mission? Rather than simply migrating existing content, we worked collaboratively with their team to reimagine their digital presence around user needs and organizational goals.
Strategic Information Architecture
Through strategy meetings and user journey mapping, we developed a streamlined structure that prioritized action over archival completeness. We helped the team make difficult decisions about what content truly served their current mission, consolidating years of accumulated materials into focused, purposeful sections organized around key user needs: advocacy, research, professional learning, and celebration of student achievement.
Mission-Centered Design
Working within their existing brand guidelines, we expanded their visual identity with custom graphics that brought energy and movement to the site. Bold typography emphasizes their rallying cry—"EVERY Child, EVERY Day, EVERY Year"—while dynamic visual elements suggest the creativity and vitality of arts education itself. The design balances the professionalism needed to engage policymakers with the warmth and inspiration that resonates with educators, parents, and students.
Accessibility as Priority
We rebuilt the site from the ground up with WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, ensuring proper color contrast, semantic HTML structure, and screen reader compatibility. Text previously embedded in images was converted to accessible HTML, and navigation patterns were designed for users of all abilities—finally aligning the digital experience with Arts Ed NJ's values of equity and inclusion.
Empowering Content Management
By implementing WordPress with Beaver Builder, we gave the Arts Ed NJ team complete control over their content. No longer dependent on developers for updates, they can now respond immediately to advocacy opportunities, share timely resources, and keep their platform current—critical capabilities for an organization working on time-sensitive policy issues.
The Results
The new unified platform transforms Arts Ed NJ's digital presence from a liability into a powerful advocacy asset:
Operational Efficiency: Consolidating three websites into one dramatically reduced maintenance costs and administrative overhead. Single hosting, unified security monitoring, and streamlined content management free staff to focus on mission work rather than technical troubleshooting.
Enhanced Storytelling: The redesigned platform more effectively communicates why arts education matters. Clear visual hierarchy guides visitors through compelling research, success stories, and calls to action. Custom graphics and thoughtful content organization help build both individual and institutional support for arts education policy.
Improved User Experience: Stakeholders can now easily find what they need, whether they're educators seeking professional development, parents looking for advocacy tools, or policymakers researching arts education data. Clear navigation, consistent layouts, and intuitive information architecture make the site a reliable resource rather than a confusing maze.
Accessibility and Inclusion: The fully accessible platform ensures all stakeholders—regardless of ability—can engage with Arts Ed NJ's resources and advocacy initiatives, demonstrating the organization's commitment to equity in action, not just words.
Future-Ready Foundation: The modern technical architecture and flexible content management system provide a sustainable foundation that can grow with Arts Ed NJ's evolving needs, eliminating the cycle of neglect and crisis that plagued their previous platforms.
Key Takeaways
This project demonstrates a challenge many nonprofits face: websites that accumulate content over time can become obstacles rather than assets. The solution isn't simply moving everything to a new platform—it requires strategic thinking about what the website needs to accomplish and the courage to prioritize mission impact over preserving every piece of historical content.
For Arts Ed NJ, success meant:
- Focusing on action over archives: Creating pathways for engagement rather than comprehensive documentation
- Designing for users, not internal structure: Organizing content around stakeholder needs rather than organizational charts
- Building for sustainability: Empowering staff with tools they can manage independently
- Aligning digital presence with values: Ensuring accessibility and inclusion weren't just stated goals but lived experiences
The result is a digital platform that truly serves Arts Ed NJ's mission—helping them advocate more effectively, reach more educators, mobilize more supporters, and ultimately ensure that every New Jersey student has access to quality arts education.
Related Projects
Piffaro: The Renaissance Band
Piffaro is Philadelphia’s Renaissance Band – six musicians performing on historical instruments in extraordinary venues across the city. They’ve been doing this for over 40…
Resona
Allie Plushanski came to us with a clear vision and a genuine design challenge. As a former Fortune 500 sales leader turned ICF-credentialed executive coach,…
Lift Every Voice
Lift Every Voice Philly is a Black-led, multiracial organization building parent power to advance racial, economic, and education justice in Philadelphia’s public schools. In just…