YoungArts Leading With Creativity Award HQ Visit
Creative Philanthropic Partnership & Artist Grant Program

October 2023

URBN HQ, Philadelphia PA

In 2023, Anthropologie partnered with YoungArts, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the next generation of artists, to launch the inaugural YoungArts x Anthropologie Leading with Creativity Award. The program recognized five YoungArts alumni with a $10,000 unrestricted grant and the opportunity to collaborate with Anthropologie’s creative team on the brand’s “Making Merry” Holiday Campaign.

This partnership was designed as a celebration of creativity and mentorship, reinforcing both organizations’ shared mission to champion emerging artistic talent and empower young visionaries across visual, literary, and performing arts.

Strengthen Anthropologie’s role as a patron of the arts by supporting emerging creatives and integrating artistic expression into brand storytelling. The goal was to extend the brand’s purpose beyond commerce, showcasing how creativity, community, and collaboration can shape culture while inspiring the next generation of artists.

In a crowded retail landscape, connecting with younger, purpose-driven audiences required more than trend alignment. The challenge was to create a meaningful cultural partnership that would position Anthropologie as both a creative platform and a philanthropic force, celebrating artistry as a central part of its brand identity.

Collaborate with YoungArts to identify five past award-winning artists across disciplines who exemplify creativity, innovation, and leadership.

Each recipient received a $10,000 unrestricted grant, as well as hands-on mentorship and collaboration opportunities with Anthropologie’s in-house creative team.

The partnership culminated in a visit to Anthropologie’s Home Office in Philadelphia, where the artists, mentors, and brand leaders came together to celebrate their achievements and explore the intersections of art, design, and storytelling.

The artists’ work and perspectives were integrated into Anthropologie’s 2023 Making Merry holiday campaign, adding an authentic artistic lens to the brand’s visual world and narrative.

Developed feature storytelling across Anthropologie’s social media, website, and editorial platforms to highlight each artist’s journey and the impact of the partnership.

Included Leading with Creativity Award highlights within the Making Merry campaign content rollout.

Created digital content that emphasized mentorship, artistry, and creative collaboration as core brand values.

Received national coverage within arts and culture publications, amplifying Anthropologie’s reputation as a brand that invests in creativity at every level.

Strengthened relationships with arts organizations and creative communities through public recognition and shared storytelling.
Elevated awareness of both YoungArts and Anthropologie’s ongoing commitment to supporting young, diverse talent.

Art as Foundation: Position creativity not as decoration, but as integral to Anthropologie’s brand identity and mission.

Mentorship & Impact: Celebrate the connection between established creative professionals and rising talent.

Community Storytelling: Build bridges between retail, philanthropy, and the arts through authentic narratives.

Inspiration with Purpose: Reinforce that supporting the arts is central to Anthropologie’s brand ethos and customer values.

Awarded $50,000 in unrestricted grants to five artists through the Leading with Creativity Award.

Activated a multi-touch storytelling campaign connecting audiences across retail, digital, and philanthropic channels.

Deepened Anthropologie’s positioning as a creative and cultural leader invested in meaningful partnerships.

“YoungArts and Anthropologie celebrate creativity and mentorship with the inaugural Leading with Creativity Award.” — YoungArts

The Anthropologie x YoungArts partnership served as a living expression of Anthropologie’s belief that art is not just inspiration but foundation. Through financial support, mentorship, and creative collaboration, the program bridged the worlds of retail and fine art, spotlighting the transformative power of creativity in shaping culture, community, and the next generation of artists.

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