CHALLENGE

Westfield Culver City wanted to elevate its annual Black History Month celebration into a larger cultural and community platform that would drive foot traffic, strengthen retailer engagement, and deepen its connection with the local community.

The challenge was to design an activation that felt culturally relevant, visually compelling, and highly shareable while still serving broader commercial goals around foot traffic, tenant visibility, and consumer brand affinity.

SOLUTION

Strategic idea and execution

IMG helped transform the center into a multi-week cultural destination from February 8–23, celebrating Black artistry, storytelling, and community connection.

The experience launched with a live opening celebration featuring:

• live music
• author storytelling with April Showers and CJ Charles
• book signing and giveaway
• participation from local civic leaders including Councilwoman and former Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Vice Mayor Freddy Puza

The activation expanded into an Art Pop-Up featuring five emerging local artists, arts and crafts family workshops with Rediscover Center, a $500 gift card giveaway, and integrated community fundraising support for the Center for Cultural Innovation’s Fire Relief Fund.

IMG helped Westfield create a more immersive and resilient annual platform.

RESULTS

  • +29.6% increase in Saturday traffic (2/8 vs 2/1)
  • +14.1% increase vs the 2024 Black History Month event
  • Up to 50% promo code redemptions reported by retailers
  • Strong tenant feedback on increased in-store traffic
  • Multi-week repeat visitation across families and community audiences
  • Earned media coverage from LA Weekly, TimeOut, Patch, and additional local outlets

WHY IT MATTERS

This work demonstrates IMG’s ability to turn retail environments into culturally resonant multi-week experiential destinations that simultaneously strengthen community trust, celebrate local voices, and drive measurable commercial outcomes.

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