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.