The Arts Marketing Group (AMG):
AMG is a well-established and respected arts marketing consulting firm that was originally founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1998. It was established as a division of Urban Marketing Concepts and has since built a strong reputation in the arts and cultural sector.
Who We Are:
AMG is a team of dedicated marketing professionals, experts in the field of arts marketing. Their core mission is to support and promote the arts, making it possible for artists and arts organizations to thrive and reach their audiences effectively. They have a track record of working with a diverse range of clients in the arts, including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, the Columbus Children’s Choir, Actors Theatre, Columbus Dance Theatre, and many others.
In addition, AMG has expanded its reach to the Austin, Texas area, where they continue to offer their expertise to the vibrant arts community in that region. Their relocation reflects their commitment to bringing their experience and passion for the arts to new and dynamic cultural landscapes.
AMG’s identity is deeply rooted in its dedication to arts marketing, and their team is known for its excellence in helping artists and arts organizations connect with their audiences, achieve their goals, and enrich the cultural fabric of the communities they serve.
The precise composition of the AMG team, including its leadership and members, may vary, so for specific details about the people who make up AMG, you may want to visit their website or contact them directly.
Our Founder
Joel is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both music performance and production. Starting at the age of 13, he began playing the trumpet, quickly expanding his musical prowess to include the cello, violin, bass, and viola. Throughout high school and college, Joel was an active member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra, honing his skills across various musical genres and performance settings.
During college, Joel found a new passion behind the scenes, joining the band Wynd Chymes as a sound, lighting, and special effects engineer. This role allowed him to work closely with King-Shamwell-Davis Management, where he contributed to the production of live concerts and performances by some of the biggest names in Blues, R&B, and Funk during the late 1970s and early 80s.
After relocating to Southern California in 1983, Joel continued to pursue opportunities in the music industry, eventually touring with the legendary Harry Belafonte from 1989 to 1992. His work on these tours took him across the United States and Canada, where he played a pivotal role in managing sound, production, and logistics.
In 1997, Joel founded Urban Marketing Concepts in Columbus, Ohio, leveraging his musical expertise to provide marketing and sales services to arts organizations. This endeavor led to the creation of Arts Marketing Group, a firm that supported institutions such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, and Columbus Children’s Choir. His work included not only marketing but also managing merchandise sales for prominent guest artists and touring performers.
In addition to his professional work in the arts, Joel has volunteered as a sound and video engineer for numerous churches, ensuring high-quality audio-visual experiences during worship services and events.
Today, with decades of experience in music performance, production, and arts marketing, Joel continues to contribute his expertise to performing arts organizations in Austin, TX. He currently works with ATX Chamber Music & Jazz, supporting the organization through event logistics, artist coordination, and audience development. In this role, Joel draws on his production background and marketing acumen to help shape memorable experiences for both artists and audiences. His work with ATX reflects his ongoing commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of the community—bringing together a lifetime of passion for music and the performing arts.
Mission:
To help arts organizations thrive by providing tailored marketing strategies that connect them to their communities, build their audiences, and sustain their creative impact.
Vision:
To be the trusted marketing partner for arts organizations, driving sustainable growth and ensuring that the arts enrich lives for future generations.
Values:
- Creativity: We embrace the artistic spirit in all that we do.
- Collaboration: We work closely with our clients to create marketing strategies that reflect their unique artistic vision.
- Integrity: We prioritize honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all that we do.
- Community Engagement: We believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and foster cultural enrichment.
- Excellence: We commit to delivering the highest quality of service and results for our clients.