Interlochen Center for the Arts launches new website
The first major redesign of Interlochen’s website in nearly a decade, the new website brings the Interlochen experience to the world through immersive multimedia storytelling and a vibrant, accessible interface.
Interlochen Center for the Arts has launched a new website at interlochen.org. The first major redesign of Interlochen’s website in nearly a decade, the new site brings the Interlochen experience to the world through immersive multimedia storytelling and a vibrant, accessible interface.
“Informed by insights derived from dozens of interviews to map user experience, our new site provides prospective students and their families with richly told stories that give them a visceral sense of the passion and purpose that permeate our community,” said Katharine Laidlaw, vice president of strategic communications and engagement at Interlochen Center for the Arts. “At the same time, the site allows us to share information nimbly and efficiently with our community, including students and families, faculty and staff, alumni, volunteers, donors, and patrons.”
The website’s intuitive navigation provides quick access to information and events related to Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen Online, Interlochen Presents, Interlochen Public Radio, and Interlochen College of Creative Arts. Its modular structure allows timely information and events to be highlighted and cross-promoted. Steps were also taken to ensure that the entire website is mobile-friendly across devices and compliant with accessibility standards.
“Interlochen has always been a hub for youthful artistic energy, where young people across arts disciplines converge and collaborate,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey. “Our new digital front door captures the vibrancy of our community, strengthening our relevance and reach for years to come.”
The website was developed by the digital agency mStoner in partnership with a team of Interlochen staff from multiple departments. “The new site is the result of a rich and extended collaboration with the entire Interlochen community,” said Voltaire Santos Miran, CEO and head of client experience at mStoner. “Our goal was to bring Interlochen to full digital life, creating a sense of people, place, and purpose—all in service to Interlochen’s storied reputation as the leading destination for young artists.”
The culmination of 18 months of research and development, the new website is the most robust realization of Interlochen’s new brand strategy and visual identity—the language, colors, imagery, and other elements that convey its world-class educational, artistic, and cultural programs. Hundreds of Interlochen community members informed the institution’s comprehensive brand research and refinement process, including Camp and Academy students, trustees, alumni, prospective students, faculty, staff, and donors.
In the coming weeks the Interlochen web team will continue to refine the site and implement enhancements. To support this process, site users are encouraged to report bugs or submit suggestions by filling out the “Website Help and Feedback” link at the bottom right of each page.