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Bringing Oxford’s Cultural Programme to Life

The Client

The Cultural Programme is an innovative initiative at Oxford University, designed to connect audiences, artists, and academics through a series of live and online events leading up to the 2025 opening of the Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. The programme aims to engage global audiences with the richness of the humanities, featuring contributions from world-class artists, writers, and thinkers.

The Opportunity

Oxford University tasked the team at The Graphic Design House with bringing their brand toolkit to life across both print and digital platforms. The initial project involved the creation of an events programme, complemented by social media posts, feather banners, and postcards. This was a chance to ensure that the brand thrived in the public eye, resonated with audiences and that the programme’s identity was both engaging and instantly recognisable, creating a strong, lasting impression.

Our Approach

Starting with the brand toolkit, we set out to create designs that were clean, contemporary, and full of energy—perfectly suited to the programme’s vibrant colour palette and modern typography. Our goal was simple: make the brand impossible to ignore. To do this, we made sure the brochure wasn’t just beautiful but also functional, with a clear structure that made it easy for readers to navigate and find what they were looking for. Each event had its own character, brought to life through varied copy lengths and dynamic imagery that kept every page feeling fresh and engaging while maintaining a cohesive overall look.

Results

A 32-page events brochure that didn’t just inform but inspired. We used the brand’s bold colours and a simple yet striking hero image on the cover to draw readers in. Inside, custom icons guided readers through interconnected themes, making navigation a breeze. The imagery wasn’t just filler—it captured the essence of each event, making the entire brochure a visual journey that felt both cohesive and exciting. By fully leveraging the brand toolkit, we helped Oxford University’s Cultural Programme establish a strong, memorable identity that resonates with its audience. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about making the humanities accessible, engaging, and, above all, alive.

Next Steps

Building on the success of this project, our partnership with Oxford continues to grow. We’re now their go-to team for all things print, and we’ve recently expanded our collaboration to include designing creatives for individual shows. This ongoing relationship allows us to push creative boundaries even further, ensuring that each new piece of work continues to captivate and inspire.