Culture and entertainment

Crafting a transformative strategy for theater and performing arts development

A GCC ministry of culture needed support in defining its performing arts strategy and operating model. Strategy& conducted external research to compare existing operations against those of regional and global benchmarks, and identify areas for strategic improvement. Our experts also held strategy workshops to help stakeholders better define their vision, objectives and plan forward. As a result, the ministry implemented a new operating model and leveraged a comprehensive roadmap to successfully execute its theater and performing arts strategy.

Developing a national strategy for a leading Middle East museums entity

A GCC Ministry of Culture sought to elevate its national museums into world-class destination attractions. Strategy& assessed and identified the existing operational landscape of the museums sub-sector and developed best practices, drawing on successes from comparable benchmark institutions globally. Based on our teams’ recommended roadmap, the client has successfully implemented a robust new development strategy for museums across its national footprint.

Creating an iconic district for arts and culture

A GCC Ministry of Culture sought strategic support in establishing a world-class cultural district in the heart of its capital city. Strategy& designed a comprehensive strategy, operating model, and detailed implementation plan, both for the district as a whole and for each of its individual assets. These include a prestigious museum, the national theater, an art house cinema, an arts library, an exhibition dome, a sculpture pavilion, and an arts institute. As a result, strategic alignment was successfully achieved among all stakeholders, implementation is currently underway, and a launch date has been set.

Crafting a heritage activation strategy

The governing commission of a GCC cultural and natural heritage site wished to turn the area into a global tourism destination. The commission needed support identifying specific strategic, operational, and regulatory roles for its stakeholders as it worked to grow its cultural offerings. Strategy& worked with the client to identify stakeholders, measure and define their engagement, and assign priority roles to appropriate partners in support of tourism development. With this plan in place, the client is on track to achieve desired asset activation, while minimizing operational inefficiencies and development risks.

Developing an entertainment strategy for a giga project

The leadership team of a giga project's entertainment initiative aimed to create a clear, structured plan detailing necessary assets and programs to achieve their strategic vision. Strategy& developed detailed business cases for key assets and service lines, then defined the organizational structure and operational roadmap. Additionally, the entertainment strategy involved clearly outlining essential programs and their financial frameworks and recommending an optimal legal structure. As a result, we identified the socio-economic impact of entertainment investments, developed partnership models, and identified innovative funding models to activate the strategy.

Activating a district through a comprehensive events strategy

A district authority envisioned positioning their area as a vibrant year-round destination and a platform for intercultural dialogue. To achieve this, the leadership engaged Strategy& to design an events strategy and create an annual events calendar aligned with their vision and mission. Strategy& identified target audience segments, defined suitable event types, and established relevant business models and strategic partnerships. Additionally, a portfolio of tailored services was created, alongside a plan to optimize the use of existing permanent assets and incorporate temporary structures as necessary. This approach enabled the district authority to kick start the activation of the area by implementing an engaging and dynamic calendar of events.

Enhancing immersive entertainment experiences for a mega resort

A mega resort sought support in developing a strategic master plan aimed at enhancing immersive entertainment experiences and optimizing operational efficiency. Strategy& structured a detailed approach encompassing economic concepts, strategy formulation, master planning, construction oversight, and operational guidance. Furthermore, Strategy& conceptualized unique experiential attractions such as interactive journeys through underground lost cities, climate-controlled biodomes, monumental planetariums, mystical subterranean water adventures, and adrenaline-driven arenas, effectively aligning with the client's vision for distinctive and engaging visitor experiences.

Developing the business model for a major event arena

Major events arena’s leadership aimed to establish it as a dynamic and vibrant hub, appealing to residents, national tourists, and international visitors. To fulfill this ambition, Strategy& developed a comprehensive business model positioning the arena as a landmark attraction hosting diverse events, including concerts by headline artists, large-scale sports competitions, dance spectaculars, and lifestyle shows. Revenue streams were strategically diversified through specialized ticketing models, seasonal and annual VIP packages, and commercial partnerships leveraging sponsorship and advertising. The proposed model equipped the client to successfully position the arena as a prominent global entertainment destination.