profiling & linkin Arts Communities in South East Ireland using social media Cathy Fitzgerald, ArtLinks Member & Director 1
profiling & linking Arts Communitiesin South East Ireland using social media
Cathy Fitzgerald, ArtLinks Member & Director
1
What is
innovative 5 county, local authority Arts programme for adult , amateur & professional arts practitioners:
in Co’s Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford & Wicklow
for literature, music, visual arts, dance, theatre /drama, film
for individuals, groups, bands, societies, festivals, arts managers, venues / art promoters2
between local arts practitioners, Arts Offices & the Arts Council
started in 2006 with consultation to all practitioners in region – their needs formed basis for the ArtLinks Professional Development programme
a unique partnership...3
to cultivate a culture of self-sufficiency & collaboration among arts practitioners
Aim:
provide accessible opportunities for all to gain: skills, knowledge and understanding to
develop their work practices & careers
for members & Arts Office staff to share skills & experiences, engage in peer learning
Mission4
4 main needs identified
1. local professional development courses2. targeted local funding > bursaries3. mentoring4. access to information (website):
arts opportunities, funding, news ability to network/ share/learn from others
in region improve profile of arts & working
practitioners across region & nationally
5
a central website was designed...
while most Arts Offices had some existing online information, it was often rarely accessed by creative community, often difficult to update, had no interactive features and ‘buried’ in local authority websites
A dedicated, regional arts website was highly desirable to...
6
highlight the full ArtLinks Programme7
ArtLinks.ie website provides info on courses bursaries local Arts Office news & opportunities
and most importantly it began to profile local
MEMBERS CREATIVE WORK & SKILLS...
8
ArtLinks members’ work & skills – (members’ Profile Pages below)9
members can load their news, events, exhibitions, festivals, notices...10
…and network /discuss / share on the forum
<< recent placement of forum on homepage, has led to more activity
ArtLinks has run the first ‘Blogging for the Arts’ (May 08), and the ‘Using template Portfolio sites for Visual Artists/Makers’ courses- giving members more skills in promoting their work on the ArtLinks site & Internet
11
over its first year
initially website was quite static but popular - requests for other features raised by members for its first revision have just been completed Oct 08
now close to 1000th member, with little advertising
now largest Arts Directory/Resource site in the region with content mainly created by members!
12
continuing to engage members...
ongoing communication with members is key for to identify needs
director attending free PodCampIreland.com & CreativeCamp social media events helped in development; Director as artist has also actively engaged in social media use for her own art practice (her blog, template portfolio, youtube, blurb book sites below) now confident in proposing features/ideas for members ArtLinks site
13
new website features launched oct 08 improved forum was important use of RSS: to bring in Arts
Council news, to bring in members Blogs & to feed ArtLinks News and Events directly to members’ pages, readers/emails keeps membership active/connected
Introduced social media links to easily profile/share members ‘creative work’; their locations of studios, venues, courses using Google maps –members add all these features to their Profile Pages
challenges
engaging everyone18 and above, members very diverse
a mix of informal & formally educated members often economically challenged understanding technology varies widely; access ltd in rural areas, poor/nil
broadband in S.E, limited access to basic pc training
currently designing printed material to assist users with limited internet skills on best use of site
15
future & potential
ArtLinks identity still growing ArtLinks Directory is becoming
valued locally by practitioners, curators, arts/events organisers, venues, local media
uncovering / developing networks of local cultural wealth
Potential to tie in with tourism, help develop local creative economies Idea: art trail mapping with New Members Google maps feature?
16
summary: website artlinks.ie is critical in developing, connecting ArtLinks
community – its cost effective but has to be easy for less experienced users, &
continue to engage younger users note: ArtLinks.ie often 1st web presence
for some members members ongoing input into its design &
functionality -it’s their website!
(website built by ArtLinks members: web developer, Fergal O’Hanlon, original design by ArtLinks member &illustrator, Ale Mercado, web consultancy by ArtLinks member & musician/podcaster, Ken McGuire etc)
17
thank you
email me [email protected] or
linkedin.com/in/cathyfitz
Keep in touch: signup for ArtLinks e-
newsletter or if in area & in Arts, YOU CAN register now
at ArtLinks.ie (looking forward to seeing your work too!)
18