We love the arts. In fact, we're passionate about helping arts organizations spread the word about who they are and what they do.  We've worked with numerous nonprofit arts organizations over the past 20 years and helped them with everything from increasing media coverage and developing PR campaigns to assessing their PR programs and providing solutions for the unique challenges faced by arts organization.

ArtsPR was founded by Christopher Trela, a life-long arts enthusiast and advocate whose parents met while performing in a play. His father was a musical theater actor while his mother gravitated to the PR field and worked on various publicity projects (including a stint as PR Manager for Knott’s Berry Farm). Christopher grew up playing violin and drums (an odd combination), studied PR and marketing at Cal State Fullerton, then turned his attention to journalism before shifting to PR.

In addition to his background in public relations, Christopher is the lifestyle and news editor for the Newport Beach Independent (a weekly newspaper covering Newport Beach). He is also an Adjunct Professor of PR and Marketing at Chapman University, where he teaches Media Relations and PR Campaigns.


Christopher’s unique combination of skills as both a journalist and publicist help ArtsPR provide experienced guidance and knowledgeable solutions that get results. 

Our Team

ArtsPR President Christopher Trela has been an arts journalist in Orange County for 25+ years, and has provided public relations services for numerous arts organizations. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Public Relations at Chapman University, where he teaches Media Relations and PR Campaigns, the capstone class in the public relations major. He is the editor of the Newport Beach Independent newspaper, former Arts Commissioner for the City of Newport Beach, and past president of the OC Press Club.

MarCom Platinum Award: Best Press Kit                                                    1st Place / 2nd Place / 3rd Place

Assoc. of Marketing and Communications Professionals              OC Press Club Journalism Awards

PROTOS Award and Award of Excellence: Press Kit                              Award of Excellence: Writing & Editing

Public Relations Society of America                                                            Public Relations Society of America

ArtsPR Vice President Laura Robinson Wise has been with ArtsPR since its inception in 2008. She graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Public Relations and spent two years at Laguna Playhouse as a PR assistant before helping to launch ArtsPR. She specializes in publicity, social media, and merchandising for performers and bands.

Our Story