Advertising that Changed the Nation

The Art Institute of Philadelphia is proud to join The Advertising Council to present Advertising that Changed the Nation, an exhibit showcasing the Ad Council's rich history of public service advertisements (PSAs).  Underwritten by the Philadelphia office of advertising agency Neiman Group, the exhibit will feature a series of print, outdoor, and television ads from the Ad Council's 65-year history and will run from February 11 to April 3, 2009.

Watch a MyPHL-17 feature on Advertising that Changed the Nation

Read a feature story on Advertising that Changed the Nation in the Philadelphia Inquirer

"With the launch of our bachelor's degree program in Advertising, The Art Institute of Philadelphia wanted to draw attention to the very positive role that advertising can play in the community, as well as its vitality as a creative industry in our city," said Kali Meeks, academic director of advertising and graphic design for the college. "This is a wonderful opportunity to show the history of ads that brought about social change as well as a unique opportunity for our students to experience, first hand, the power of advertising to benefit the common good.  Our 1622 Chestnut Gallery in the heart of Center City is a great location for this exhibit.”

The Ad Council's iconic public service advertising campaigns on display will include Wildfire Prevention (Smokey Bear), Crime Prevention (McGruff the Crime Dog), Pollution (the Crying Indian), Drunk Driving Prevention ("Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk"), United Negro College Fund ("A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste") and Seat Belt Education (Crash Test Dummies).

Recent PSAs from the Ad Council's Adoption, Underage Drinking Prevention, College Access and Autism Awareness campaigns will also be highlighted, along with a series of new television ads from the Arts Education, Veterans Support, Hunger and Financial Literacy campaigns..

"We are delighted that The Art Institute of Philadelphia is putting together this wonderful exhibit featuring our public service campaigns for their educational community," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council.  "We are also very grateful to the Neiman Group for their pro bono creative talent on our campaigns, and for providing the resources for this effort."

Neiman Group has created PSAs for the Ad Council's Ready Business Campaign, developed in partnership for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and designed to encourage owners of small to medium size businesses to prepare for emergencies.

The agency has provided the production costs for the exhibit, which showcases ads from agencies throughout the country. 

"Like most creative agencies, we believe there is great honor in using our talents to help grow our client's businesses," said Tim Reeves, CEO of Neiman Group. "We pursue that quest with passion. But there is nothing quite like the feeling that comes with practicing your craft in ways that save lives and help people. And that is the Ad Council's mission. We are privileged to be the only Pennsylvania agency on the Ad Council's roster of creative agency partners. And we are proud to support this important exhibit, showcasing some of their greatest work."

About The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

About Neiman Group
Neiman Group (www.neimangroup.com) creates powerful brand experiences that move people in distinctive ways and unexpected places. With offices in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Neiman Group builds and revitalizes brands with our national and regional partners including Trex, Comcast SportsNet, Pennsylvania Dept. of Health Anti-tobacco Program, Capital BlueCross, Temple University, Philadelphia's new Major League Soccer franchise, PA Wine and Spirits Stores, Hershey Trust, Troegs Brewing Company, and The Ad Council.