Who’s the Trillest of Them All? Community Relations Lessons from Houston In Concert Against Hate

Almond butter and sweet potatoes. Elephants and sheep. Phillip Lim and Target. It’s true — unexpected pairings often yield magical results. Another case in point? Last Thursday’s Houston in Concert Against Hate.

At Houston in Concert Against Hate, the Anti-Defamation League of Houston celebrated its 100-year anniversary by honoring Houston-area civil rights activists, educators, Holocaust survivors and politicians. The Houston Symphony, also turning the big 1-0-0 this year, accompanied the program with a score ranging from Bernstein’s West Side Story Overture to The Black Eyed Peas’ Where is the Love? Oh, and did we mention there was a special guest appearance by Bun B? Yep, everyone’s favorite rapper became the first-ever hip-hop artist to perform with the Houston Symphony. FIRST-EVER.

The evening truly represented the diversity of our city and stirred something within each member of the sold-out audience. It was, without a doubt, a powerful reminder of — and a testament to — the impact of collaboration in unexpected places and applications.

Community collaboration is not uncommon. There is always strength in numbers that aids in the overall accomplishment of a program’s goals. Of course, it’s safe and easy to seek out those with similar backgrounds, goals and audiences to work with.

And, of course, THAT’S BORING. Want to take a chance and create an exclusive, community-relevant and eye-catching event? Of course, you do. Take a page from Houston In Concert Against Hate’s book… err, sheet music.

Engage new and diverse audiences.
Jones Hall was FULL of people of all ages and races. Each person was drawn in by their affiliation with a particular organization but left exposed to new groups, people and concepts. Those who came solely to see Bun B perform got a taste of symphonic music. The Symphony’s listener base left inspired by the Anti-Defamation League’s mission. Every organization in Houston in Concert Against Hate won new eyes, ears and voices to their cause because they worked together. And in the process, the audience could see the value of attending as well.

Whether it’s planning an event or working on collaborative programming, finding unexpected partners with similar ideals can add variety and intrigue. This can stimulate attendance by entirely new audiences who can’t miss seeing a fresh concept come to fruition. But it also pulls in each partner’s respective patrons— combining into an entirely new and fully engaged group that you may not have been able to reach otherwise.

Demonstrate relevancy.
Instead of throwing another same ol’ same ol’ gala, the Anti-Defamation League teamed up with the Houston Symphony to celebrate their respective 100-year anniversaries. And, by throwing Bun B into the mix, these institutions immediately modernized the concept of the show into a program relevant enough for ANY and EVERY Houstonian.

Collaboration is the perfect way for any organization to demonstrate they are on top of current trends. Ancient institutions benefit from working with popular icons and start-ups find value in pairing with embedded community cornerstones. Either way, showing that you understand the environment you work in and culture’s currents will impress new audiences and media alike.

Display an open and flexible internal culture.
The Anti-Defamation League, Houston Symphony and Bun B showed others that they like to be collaborative in the creative process. Because they worked so well together to produce a meaningful event, they may be presented with other unique and innovative opportunities in the future.

Collaboration displays a willingness to adapt to any situation and to find the best possible solution for each. Not only does this give an “I play well with others,” impression, but it also showcases internal malleability and amiability. Both which open the doors to creative and beneficial partnerships that can help organizations reach their goals together.

The Anti-Defamation League could’ve done their event alone. It could’ve been “The Anti-Defamation League in Concert Against Hate.” But by pulling in their community, by making it HOUSTON’S concert, they created an unforgettable and exclusive program you’d only catch here — for one night only. So the next time you want to step out from the familiar and mundane, rely on your environment to supply the inspiration you need. There are hundreds of incredible organizations and people out there that possess the talent, resources and followers you don’t. Embrace the unexpected for your next collaboration — the results will astound not only you but also everyone else for YEARS to come.