The internet and social media are integral to the arts in America. A survey of arts organizations that have received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) finds that technology use permeates these organizations, their marketing and education efforts, and even their performance offerings. Moreover, many organizations are using the internet and social media to expand the number of online performances and exhibits, grow their audience, sell tickets, and raise funds online, while allowing patrons to share content, leave comments, and even post their own content on organizations’ sites.
Communications/Marketing
Fundraising: Keys to the Cashbox
Musical America takes an in-depth look at successful efforts, some of the pitfalls, and how to tap social media for greater fundraising success. Just some of the features:
- Using social media to open new fundraising channels (p. 4 )
- How Columbia University raised $7 million in one day (p. 7)
- Naming: Stories from the front lines (P. 9)
- Competitive Fundraising? Absolutely (p. 13)
- How to kickstart fundraising with Kickstarter (p. 19)
Case Study on Museums: Gallery Interpreters
As public institutions, museums have the mission and responsibility to create meaningful and educational experiences for its visitors. With diverse visitors and different learning styles, museums can use in-gallery staff to help facilitate connections between visitors and the museum beyond the gallery experience. At the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Gallery Interpreters are full-time, paid staff members who are certified by the National Association for Interpretation. This case study will take a closer look on why gallery interpreters play a critical role in creating meaningful museum connections and the Natural History Museum’s philosophy and professional approach toward in-gallery staff and the role they play.
Date Your Donors: Year-End Fundraising Essentials
Network for Good, an online platform for nonprofit donations (and a nonprofit itself), published a PDF guide with helpful suggestions on how to outreach for year-end donations and other fundraising. Free, but registration is required for the PDF report.
2012 Nonprofit Social Network Benchmark Report
The fourth annual report on nonprofits and social networks.
A sample of findings from the 2012 report:
- Social Communities Continue to Grow
- 2012 Facebook and Twitter communities grow year-over-year by 30% and 81% respectively to 8,317 Likes and 3,290 followers.
- Most Common Fundraising Tactics on Facebook
- The top tactics for raising money through giving on Facebook: An Individual Ask, followed by Event Fundraising.
- New in 2012 – Facebook ROI Insights
- Nonprofit respondents say that the average Facebook Like costs $3.50 and Twitter follower $2.05.
- Top Factors for Nonprofit Success on Social Networks:
Nonprofits were unequivocable about what it takes to be successful on social networks: Develop a strategy, Prioritize Social Network Program at Executive Level, and Dedicate Staff to the Program.
ON DEMAND WEBINAR: Be Sure Your Cell Phones Are Turned ON: Marketing to Today’s Mobile Arts Audience
Be Sure Your Cell Phones Are Turned ON: Marketing to Today’s Mobile Arts Audience
Originally recorded on October 5, 2010 (60 minutes)
This webinar will explore the new and ever-developing field of mobile marketing. It will cover the ways Artsopolis itself has experimented with targeting the mobile market, as well as highlight the experiences of local arts groups. From creating buzz around an event to increasing ticket sales, to patrons generating content during an arts experience, the presenter will demonstrate that there is a segment of people willing to “do your work for you” if you can just reach them.
The webinar will seek to address questions such as:
- Who is the mobile market target audience? What do they really look like and where will you find them?
- How can existing smart phone applications (like Foursquare) be used to engage an audience?
- How to effectively leverage social media? (Tweet Seats, #tags, Facebook)
- How success in a mobile marketing campaign is measured?
- How much time and manpower does it take to implement such a marketing campaign?
Available for free to members of Americans for the Arts; not available to non-members.
