The Cultural Programme

The brief

The Cultural Programme at Oxford University is an initiative that connects audiences, artists, and academics through live and online events leading up to the 2025 opening of the Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Featuring contributions from world-class artists, writers, and thinkers, the programme aims to make the humanities accessible and engaging to both local and global audiences.

Oxford University asked The Graphic Design House to bring their brand toolkit to life across print and digital platforms. The initial task involved creating a comprehensive events programme, supported by social media graphics, feather banners, and postcards. The challenge was to translate the brand’s visual identity into engaging, recognisable designs that captured the vibrancy of the programme and the richness of the humanities.

Little vermilion flycatcher on Isabela © Tim Karels

Digital design assets including brochures, presentations, emails, and social graphics

Our approach

We brought Oxford’s Cultural Programme to life across print and digital, creating designs that are vibrant, engaging, and easy to navigate. Hover over the flip tiles below to see how we turned ideas into a cohesive, multi-channel experience.

University of Oxford, Oi campaign branding doc examples

Translating the brand toolkit

We began by applying the brand’s colour palette, typography, and design principles across all materials. This ensured that every piece felt cohesive and true to the programme’s identity, reinforcing recognition and memorability.

University of Oxford, Oi campaign posters for Transfigured and A Hunger Artist

Bringing individual events to life

Each event received its own visual treatment, with imagery and copy that reflected its character. This approach maintained cohesion across the brochure while giving each event its own voice and personality.

The OI everything is connected front cover design for Oxford cultural programme

Creating an events brochure

The 32-page brochure was designed to be visually striking and easy to navigate. Clear hierarchy, structured layouts, and custom icons helped guide readers through themes and events while keeping each page engaging and accessible.

University of Oxford, Oi campaign postcard examples

Multi-channel reach

Beyond the brochure, we produced social media posts, feather banners, and postcards, ensuring that the programme’s identity translated effectively across multiple touchpoints and maintained a strong, consistent presence.

Oxford cultural programme's, everything is connected brochure which showcases the grid layout structure design approach.

Results & next steps

The redesigned Cultural Programme materials successfully combined accessibility, clarity, and visual impact. The brochure not only informed readers but inspired them, making the humanities approachable and exciting. By fully leveraging Oxford University’s brand toolkit, the project established a strong and memorable identity for the Cultural Programme, helping it resonate with a diverse audience whilst keeping them engaged.

Following this successful launch, The Graphic Design House has become the go-to partner for the Cultural Programme’s print and creative needs. Our collaboration has since expanded to include designing creatives for individual shows, allowing us to continue pushing creative boundaries while ensuring the Cultural Programme maintains a consistent, engaging presence.

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Our work in action

Bring your programme to life

From vibrant brochures to dynamic social campaigns and digital experiences, we help cultural and educational organisations make their events and initiatives unmissable.

If you’re ready to bring your programme to life across print and digital platforms, let’s talk.