Without a healthy publicity budget, it's difficult to get the word out about the resources at Penn, especially in Philadelphia's high-priced advertising market, one of the most expensive in the country. Both ICA and the Annenberg Center are feeling the pinch. In recent years, efforts to bring their budgets out of the red reportedly played a role in the departure of longtime directors Patrick Murphy at ICA and Stephen Goff Ar'62 at Annenberg. In one economizing move, the two institutions currently share a marketing director, Roy Wilbur. Naturally, leaders at both institutions wish they could have him full time.
Some organizations lack even a part-time marketing staff.
They are left to publicize on an ad hoc basis, whenever a curator or other staff member gets a chance, or to rely on the University to make people aware of their centers. Even given the best of intentions, this is a recipe for inconsistent and often ineffective publicity. At Annenberg, the size of the operating budget is tied directly to ticket sales. This makes good, effective marketing of the utmost importance. Even students are often unaware of the cultural opportunities Penn institutions have to offer.