For this last blog, I decided to review an organization a little closer to my home, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida. The Cummer, is my personal favorite art museum, started in 1961 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cummer and has since grown into an art, garden and educational museum featuring thousands pieces of art. It is quite the tourist attraction for Jacksonville, FL and part of the community as a beautiful, fun, exciting place to be.
The Cummer is not far behind on Internet PR; in fact the organization is alive and happening on the web. The Cummer has an interactive, colorful, engaging official website that tells you all you need to know about the museum, plus things you may not have been aware of. The home page features a changing clip of the featured exhibit or entertainment, the education highlight and a glimpse into the garden. The website is vibrant with different pictures on every tab and bright attractive colors.
The Cummer has an eNewsletter that you may subscribe to, a Facebook page, a Twitter page and a blog. On the Cummer Facebook page, it shows you that they also are on Yelp, Foursquare and TripAdvisor; those sites are not featured on the official website. The Cummer has also recently started a podcast series, a first that I have seen among art organizations. The podcast series features insiders speaking on why the exhibit or event was chosen, what the event/exhibit meant and how it affected the community.
The Cummer has over 6,000 Facebook fans and lighthearted personal posts such as, “What are you doing this weekend?” A brilliant way to show an interest in peoples lives , not posts just telling people to come to events but just about the people. There are posts about other events around the community outside of the museum, contests, strongly encouraged feedback from fans and responses to every comment. The Twitter page is also very interactive, with tweets about community events, congrats to winners of contests or awards and event updates of course.
On Yelp, the Cummer has 17 reviews and stays updated in events under the Announcement tab. On TripAdvisor, the museum has 8 reviews all giving a 5 star experience rating, with a few words from the museum written as well. On Foursquare, the Cummer has 288 check-ins, with 182 people and offers free admission with your 1st check-in. The Cummer blog has several posts, very bright with multiple pictures throughout each post and an overview of the event the post is focused on. The blog is very informative, also showing what artful, gardening or educational resources the blog can be used for.
There is nothing more to say, this museum has incorporated mostly everything I suggest for other organizations; the Cummer has mastered the experience! The best, most original part about the Internet connection with the Cummer is that each different site gives you something different to see, view or think about. While other organizations simply post the same things on each network, the Cummer has a separate voice for each of its separate networks. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is definitely leading by example and other art organizations should take notice.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Voices Inspired
The Gertrude C. Ford Center of the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi in University, Mississippi is a facility that tells you to, “Come as you are. Leave better off.” The Ford Center opened in 2003, after raising funds since 1998 and beginning construction in 2002. The Center hosts, theater plays, dance productions, singers/choruses, bands and orchestras.
The Ford Center makes use of the Internet, but could improve considerably. The official website has useful information about events, location, education, history and how to support. Many of the information are inked to another site, which makes the Ford Website seem pointless. There is a video profile on the Center and a very detailed list of events, besides that the website is very bland.
The website should be much more colorful, animated and lively to invite visitors to stay and browse through the site. The Ford Center website should attract the public by integrating photos, video and place association. Under the events tab, should be an option to view photos from previous events and possibly even behind the scenes video. Under history, construction photos could also be displayed. Not just photos of employees and staff, photos that show the public involved, to entice more to volunteer and donate. Videos of people discussing what they enjoyed most about their visit to the Center.
Interestingly enough, the Center website links to the Facebook page but not to the Twitter page. This can mean the Twitter page host is not an official staff member of the Center; therefore the Center does not publicly support it. The Facebook page has many friends and check ins on Facebook places; they have a Monday giveaway and respond to all comments from the people. Thumbs up for that!! The twitter page, posts updates about events and to the students mainly, but the credibility of the page host again is questionable. The Center should become active on sites such as Flickr, YouTube, and Foursquare and start a blog.
People want to be inspired by an organization to be involved with the organization. Right now, I can guess most support of the Ford Center are from students and their word-of-mouth. Above and beyond that, the public needs to be able to share their experiences with others as well as with the Ford Center. The public relate through the stage, outside of that it would seem that the public does not exist as a crucial factor to the Ford Center. And how long will word-of-mouth live on, if the organization is “dead” from a lack of voice and conversation.
The Ford Center makes use of the Internet, but could improve considerably. The official website has useful information about events, location, education, history and how to support. Many of the information are inked to another site, which makes the Ford Website seem pointless. There is a video profile on the Center and a very detailed list of events, besides that the website is very bland.
The website should be much more colorful, animated and lively to invite visitors to stay and browse through the site. The Ford Center website should attract the public by integrating photos, video and place association. Under the events tab, should be an option to view photos from previous events and possibly even behind the scenes video. Under history, construction photos could also be displayed. Not just photos of employees and staff, photos that show the public involved, to entice more to volunteer and donate. Videos of people discussing what they enjoyed most about their visit to the Center.
Interestingly enough, the Center website links to the Facebook page but not to the Twitter page. This can mean the Twitter page host is not an official staff member of the Center; therefore the Center does not publicly support it. The Facebook page has many friends and check ins on Facebook places; they have a Monday giveaway and respond to all comments from the people. Thumbs up for that!! The twitter page, posts updates about events and to the students mainly, but the credibility of the page host again is questionable. The Center should become active on sites such as Flickr, YouTube, and Foursquare and start a blog.
People want to be inspired by an organization to be involved with the organization. Right now, I can guess most support of the Ford Center are from students and their word-of-mouth. Above and beyond that, the public needs to be able to share their experiences with others as well as with the Ford Center. The public relate through the stage, outside of that it would seem that the public does not exist as a crucial factor to the Ford Center. And how long will word-of-mouth live on, if the organization is “dead” from a lack of voice and conversation.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Site to See
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, Louisiana is a vivid inspirational creative compliment to the south. The Museum started as just the Ogden Collection by Roger Ogden who was fascinated by original southern artwork. In late 1994, a permanent and larger home for the collection had begun construction to be known as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum prides itself for their rich collection, varying exhibitions, educational programs, publications, centers and institutions to expand the awareness and appreciation of art from Americas South.
The Ogden has one of the most vibrant interactive official websites I’ve ever come across. The website homepage has a lively animated display of photos and links. The museum itself hosts many exciting activities and events, such as After Hours, Film at the O, O-Mazing Race and O What a Night; public attentiveness for these events is mainly drawn through the website. The Ogden also has a Facebook page, a Flickr account and a blog.
The Ogden Facebook Page stays updated with posts about events and activities both at the Ogden and that the Ogden supports. There are a few photos, older discussions and of course event info. There are not many conversations that take place, but when a person posts a question or needs information about something, the facilitator does respond. Not too much involvement, just the average event informer as we see with most other organizations.
The Ogden has a Flickr account, which I applaud them for. They have hundreds of photos in their photostream, from multiple events. The most important thing about the Flickr account is that it introduces another way to connect with the public-by sharing photos.
The Museum also has a blog called “Bradley’s Blog”, Bradley who is the Collections Manager manages the Ogden blog-“An Insider’s Look at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art”. Bradley writes about the collections he deems worthy of mentioning instead of just writing about all and any event or exhibit. Posts are not on a particular schedule, but nonetheless two-thumbs-up for integrating another way to keep the public feeling involved.
All-in-all I think the Ogden is doing its job as far as being an active social media member. Although, a phenomenal social media organization should have the entire involvement, which also includes a Twitter page and a Foursquare account.
The Ogden has one of the most vibrant interactive official websites I’ve ever come across. The website homepage has a lively animated display of photos and links. The museum itself hosts many exciting activities and events, such as After Hours, Film at the O, O-Mazing Race and O What a Night; public attentiveness for these events is mainly drawn through the website. The Ogden also has a Facebook page, a Flickr account and a blog.
The Ogden Facebook Page stays updated with posts about events and activities both at the Ogden and that the Ogden supports. There are a few photos, older discussions and of course event info. There are not many conversations that take place, but when a person posts a question or needs information about something, the facilitator does respond. Not too much involvement, just the average event informer as we see with most other organizations.
The Ogden has a Flickr account, which I applaud them for. They have hundreds of photos in their photostream, from multiple events. The most important thing about the Flickr account is that it introduces another way to connect with the public-by sharing photos.
The Museum also has a blog called “Bradley’s Blog”, Bradley who is the Collections Manager manages the Ogden blog-“An Insider’s Look at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art”. Bradley writes about the collections he deems worthy of mentioning instead of just writing about all and any event or exhibit. Posts are not on a particular schedule, but nonetheless two-thumbs-up for integrating another way to keep the public feeling involved.
All-in-all I think the Ogden is doing its job as far as being an active social media member. Although, a phenomenal social media organization should have the entire involvement, which also includes a Twitter page and a Foursquare account.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Showing Off
The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) in Jackson, Mississippi is a booming artful educational museum that features a flourishing amount of diverse exhibitions, entertaining programs and an ingenious permanent collection. The MMA started as the Mississippi Art Association (MAA) in 1911, in 1979 it became MMA and in 2007 the Museum relocated to the newly renovated Mississippi Arts Pavilion, now its current home.
The MMA is progressively riding the wave of social media; it is by far more interactive on the Internet than many other arts organizations. The MMA official website is full of photographs and helpful information. It is easy to navigate; it grabs your attention while leaving you craving for more. The Museum has a Facebook page, a Twitter page, a Flickr account and a blog.
The MMA Facebook page is very energetic, along with posts about upcoming events, there are posts giving thanks, sharing photos, responding to the public and sharing other news about artists and featured exhibits. There are pictures from events, detailed information about events and links shared for additional interesting news and happenings in the art industry.
The MMA Twitter page is active as well, likewise not just with event updates. The host of the page tweets about the café, educational programs, family activities and other local events that the host deems worthy of mentioning. Posts are every day or every few days, with plenty of followers. There is not much interaction with the public or from the public but otherwise good use of the page.
The Museum also has a Flickr account with hundreds of photos in their photostream. On the official website, sharing photos on Flickr is highly encouraged. This account is unique, because not many other visual arts organizations have Flickr accounts or any other social network account that boosts or posts photos and/or video. It’s a step outside the common Museum website display of photos, into letting the public know the MMA cares about and wants to know they enjoyed their visit to the Museum.
The Mississippi Museum of Art furthermore manages a blog. The blog posts are essentially about exhibits, programs and events after they occur. The goal or vision of the event, what took place, and how it impacted the community is discussed. Photos are incorporated, along with citing of the café and posts are regularly every week or so. Posts are written by different people, typically the organizer or such of that particular event, program or exhibit.
I think the Mississippi Museum of Art; the largest art museum in Mississippi is broadening their dominance at the top. While managing a largely treasured and respected Museum they are leading the way in supporter appreciation by using social media to connect, pay attention, listen and simply care.
The MMA is progressively riding the wave of social media; it is by far more interactive on the Internet than many other arts organizations. The MMA official website is full of photographs and helpful information. It is easy to navigate; it grabs your attention while leaving you craving for more. The Museum has a Facebook page, a Twitter page, a Flickr account and a blog.
The MMA Facebook page is very energetic, along with posts about upcoming events, there are posts giving thanks, sharing photos, responding to the public and sharing other news about artists and featured exhibits. There are pictures from events, detailed information about events and links shared for additional interesting news and happenings in the art industry.
The MMA Twitter page is active as well, likewise not just with event updates. The host of the page tweets about the café, educational programs, family activities and other local events that the host deems worthy of mentioning. Posts are every day or every few days, with plenty of followers. There is not much interaction with the public or from the public but otherwise good use of the page.
The Museum also has a Flickr account with hundreds of photos in their photostream. On the official website, sharing photos on Flickr is highly encouraged. This account is unique, because not many other visual arts organizations have Flickr accounts or any other social network account that boosts or posts photos and/or video. It’s a step outside the common Museum website display of photos, into letting the public know the MMA cares about and wants to know they enjoyed their visit to the Museum.
The Mississippi Museum of Art furthermore manages a blog. The blog posts are essentially about exhibits, programs and events after they occur. The goal or vision of the event, what took place, and how it impacted the community is discussed. Photos are incorporated, along with citing of the café and posts are regularly every week or so. Posts are written by different people, typically the organizer or such of that particular event, program or exhibit.
I think the Mississippi Museum of Art; the largest art museum in Mississippi is broadening their dominance at the top. While managing a largely treasured and respected Museum they are leading the way in supporter appreciation by using social media to connect, pay attention, listen and simply care.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Creative Connections
The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in New Orleans, Louisiana has been thriving in visual and performing arts for 35 years and counting. The center was formed in 1976 by artists for artists as a place to break down the walls between visual and performing arts. The 4-story building is home to a gallery featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, video and education and a stage featuring theater, dance, music and other performing arts. The CAC prides itself in being a “cultural leader” for the community of New Orleans.
The center has and continues to emerge in innovation, from the vast display of arts to its ability to reach and connect with a variety of people. The CAC website is very upbeat, colorful and informative. The CAC is above the rest as far as social media is concerned, but can do more as it tries to incorporate the internet as a means of contact with the public. The CAC has a Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare account.
On the Twitter page, the CAC focuses on promotion. Promotion of performances and exhibits, reminding followers of when the events are then commenting about the events after they take place. They try hard to make the people feel connected, by posting questions asking how people felt about performances unfortunately they get little response. They get a lot more credit for effort than some other theaters and museums that use Twitter as an update page and nothing else.
The Facebook page, sorry to say does not get as much credit as the Twitter page does. The page is just another page to post updates about upcoming events and ticket sales. No conversation, no interaction. They do not have many pictures either and no video. Other than the event updates, the page is impersonal and a little bland. For such an artistic, inventive center the Facebook page lacks in creativity.
I do not have a Foursquare account, so I can’t say much about their presence on Foursquare. But I find that just having an account is a little ground breaking because other arts facilities should have an account but do not. So the fact that the CAC wants people to check in, it’s another way to ask people to come, which is good.
The CAC could benefit from having a blog, talking about performances and exhibitions. It can be a “How Do You Do It?” blog, asking artists what it takes to make a great piece/performance. If not on a blog, they could integrate this as a weekly conversation on the Twitter page with artists as well. They can improve the Facebook page by starting conversations as well, maybe asking friends, what’s the most outrageous piece of art they have or would have made-this also could be weekly. Starting slow but to increase in interaction period is the key.
The center has and continues to emerge in innovation, from the vast display of arts to its ability to reach and connect with a variety of people. The CAC website is very upbeat, colorful and informative. The CAC is above the rest as far as social media is concerned, but can do more as it tries to incorporate the internet as a means of contact with the public. The CAC has a Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare account.
On the Twitter page, the CAC focuses on promotion. Promotion of performances and exhibits, reminding followers of when the events are then commenting about the events after they take place. They try hard to make the people feel connected, by posting questions asking how people felt about performances unfortunately they get little response. They get a lot more credit for effort than some other theaters and museums that use Twitter as an update page and nothing else.
The Facebook page, sorry to say does not get as much credit as the Twitter page does. The page is just another page to post updates about upcoming events and ticket sales. No conversation, no interaction. They do not have many pictures either and no video. Other than the event updates, the page is impersonal and a little bland. For such an artistic, inventive center the Facebook page lacks in creativity.
I do not have a Foursquare account, so I can’t say much about their presence on Foursquare. But I find that just having an account is a little ground breaking because other arts facilities should have an account but do not. So the fact that the CAC wants people to check in, it’s another way to ask people to come, which is good.
The CAC could benefit from having a blog, talking about performances and exhibitions. It can be a “How Do You Do It?” blog, asking artists what it takes to make a great piece/performance. If not on a blog, they could integrate this as a weekly conversation on the Twitter page with artists as well. They can improve the Facebook page by starting conversations as well, maybe asking friends, what’s the most outrageous piece of art they have or would have made-this also could be weekly. Starting slow but to increase in interaction period is the key.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Always on Display
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art (OOMA) in Biloxi, Mississippi reopened in an entirely new construction last year in 2010. The museum, originally named the George Ohr Arts and Culture Center first opened in 1994, in 1999 designs of the new museum were underway and by 2004 building had begun. Disastrously in 2005 Hurricane Katrina destroyed the new building as well as the already established Center. Successfully, 5 years later after reconstruction, Phase 1 of the museum which includes the Sound Welcome Center, the IP Exhibitions Gallery, the Gallery of African American Art and the Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center were opened.
OOMA has a packed official website; it features everything a person could possibly want to know about the new museum. The home page displays pictures of George Ohr, the new building and other photos from inside the museum. It highlights all updates, the newest exhibitions, how to schedule a tour, how to become a member, info about the store, café and new campus. The site is lively and exciting to browse through.
The museum is not so active in social media. OOMA has a Facebook page. On the page, followers are kept up to date on what OOMA features as the best and most interesting upcoming exhibits. The events tab also shows upcoming events a few months in advanced, there are plenty of photos as well. Unfortunately I don’t see a lot of interaction with the public or communication at all except to announce events. There is a lot more OOMA could be doing as far as internet PR. I suppose because of the reputation of the museum, the PR team may feel that word-of-mouth is enough. And while it is effective, why not put a word in yourself??
The museum should have a Twitter page, also highlighting events but mainly focusing on art and all aspects of it. Perhaps giving arts and crafts advice or having conversations among various artists in South Mississippi or specifically with or about whomever or whatever the museum is exhibiting that week. A Foursquare account would also be helpful and popular, giving discounts on tickets after a certain amount of check ins; that could raise awareness and bring more visitors. Also on the museum website, they should have a Keeping up With OOMA tab in which they feature all ongoing Social activity and conversations. Another great PR idea would be for the museum to start a blog; blogging about exhibits and the theme of that exhibit each week or day, deeming it the OOMA Pick of the Week.
All of these things could benefit the museum in more ways than one, not only awareness but a feeling of being involved by the public. And when the public feels involved, they get involved, and when they get involved, they support, donate, volunteer and become long-lasting customers.
OOMA has a packed official website; it features everything a person could possibly want to know about the new museum. The home page displays pictures of George Ohr, the new building and other photos from inside the museum. It highlights all updates, the newest exhibitions, how to schedule a tour, how to become a member, info about the store, café and new campus. The site is lively and exciting to browse through.
The museum is not so active in social media. OOMA has a Facebook page. On the page, followers are kept up to date on what OOMA features as the best and most interesting upcoming exhibits. The events tab also shows upcoming events a few months in advanced, there are plenty of photos as well. Unfortunately I don’t see a lot of interaction with the public or communication at all except to announce events. There is a lot more OOMA could be doing as far as internet PR. I suppose because of the reputation of the museum, the PR team may feel that word-of-mouth is enough. And while it is effective, why not put a word in yourself??
The museum should have a Twitter page, also highlighting events but mainly focusing on art and all aspects of it. Perhaps giving arts and crafts advice or having conversations among various artists in South Mississippi or specifically with or about whomever or whatever the museum is exhibiting that week. A Foursquare account would also be helpful and popular, giving discounts on tickets after a certain amount of check ins; that could raise awareness and bring more visitors. Also on the museum website, they should have a Keeping up With OOMA tab in which they feature all ongoing Social activity and conversations. Another great PR idea would be for the museum to start a blog; blogging about exhibits and the theme of that exhibit each week or day, deeming it the OOMA Pick of the Week.
All of these things could benefit the museum in more ways than one, not only awareness but a feeling of being involved by the public. And when the public feels involved, they get involved, and when they get involved, they support, donate, volunteer and become long-lasting customers.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
No Just An Audience
The Mahalia Jackson Theater (MJT) in New Orleans, Louisiana reopened in January 2009 after being shattered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The theater originally built in 1973, is a celebrated Performing Arts theater that has added to the historic culture of New Orleans. The theater features orchestras, operas, ballets, Broadway shows and tours of various world renowned entertainers. Since its reopening, the theater has come a long way in productions, ticket sales and acknowledgement among the community.
The evolution of PR has made the people in the seats not just an audience but the public, the critics, the press, they are the influencers that can make or break the MJT. Since its reopening, the MJT has updated and recreated the official website. It highlights all upcoming events, the history of the theater, virtual tours of the new renovations and how to contact them. It is splattered with creative and attractive colors and is very user friendly when trying to navigate through the site. The site also has a few photos previewing shows and links to their Twitter and Facebook pages.
The MJT is active in internet social media. The twitter page is maintained by a representative, Allie, who converse with other artists as well as posts updates on events and of their Facebook page. Allie posts often and stays connected not just with MJT but with all World Theater and arts news and occasionally shares links to them. The Facebook page is also up kept on a regular basis. On there is where contests are introduced and the most current news of what’s happening with the MJT. The contests are very creative and require for followers to participate sharing “the simple joys in life”, to win tickets to the Color Purple showing Feb.11. The page also informs fellow FB friends of productions happening outside of MJT and keeps a positive attitude, responding to comments and making an effort to show the “audience” that they matter.
The MJT PR team is taking baby steps, if not crawling, toward productive interaction with social media. They seem to have basic knowledge of the target market and how to reach them; even though they are not utilizing all the different Internet channels that can further benefit them and the public. As a theater I see it only right that they establish a YouTube channel, with clips of their shows. The YouTube channel can be another way for the public to share their experience and inquire others to go and share that experience. The theater can also take advantage of Foursquare, one of the main things they do is invite people to different productions. Using Foursquare to check into locations of different productions and shows is just one more way for them to connect.
The evolution of PR has made the people in the seats not just an audience but the public, the critics, the press, they are the influencers that can make or break the MJT. Since its reopening, the MJT has updated and recreated the official website. It highlights all upcoming events, the history of the theater, virtual tours of the new renovations and how to contact them. It is splattered with creative and attractive colors and is very user friendly when trying to navigate through the site. The site also has a few photos previewing shows and links to their Twitter and Facebook pages.
The MJT is active in internet social media. The twitter page is maintained by a representative, Allie, who converse with other artists as well as posts updates on events and of their Facebook page. Allie posts often and stays connected not just with MJT but with all World Theater and arts news and occasionally shares links to them. The Facebook page is also up kept on a regular basis. On there is where contests are introduced and the most current news of what’s happening with the MJT. The contests are very creative and require for followers to participate sharing “the simple joys in life”, to win tickets to the Color Purple showing Feb.11. The page also informs fellow FB friends of productions happening outside of MJT and keeps a positive attitude, responding to comments and making an effort to show the “audience” that they matter.
The MJT PR team is taking baby steps, if not crawling, toward productive interaction with social media. They seem to have basic knowledge of the target market and how to reach them; even though they are not utilizing all the different Internet channels that can further benefit them and the public. As a theater I see it only right that they establish a YouTube channel, with clips of their shows. The YouTube channel can be another way for the public to share their experience and inquire others to go and share that experience. The theater can also take advantage of Foursquare, one of the main things they do is invite people to different productions. Using Foursquare to check into locations of different productions and shows is just one more way for them to connect.
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