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Guidance and online support
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Networking
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Business Support
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Partnerships
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Marketing and promotion
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Fundraising
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Education
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Campaigning and lobbying for the arts
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Workshops and Conferences
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Webinars
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Showcases and Community Engagement
In response to these requests, I have the following suggestions:
Networking
For networking, I think that Linkedin is a good starting
point. I have personally introduced some members to one another, based on their requirements, and members are quite welcome to approach one another for connections. Members have also indicated that they are prepared to use Facebook, hence why I have
set up a Facebook page for Creativity:
https://www.facebook.com/Creativity-Performing-Arts-Group-625380381164918
https://www.facebook.com/Creativity-Performing-Arts-Group-625380381164918
Guidance and Online Support
Participants have said they would like online guidance, problem solving and promotion for members. For example a shared page for Frequently Asked Questions may be useful for members to contribute questions and answers to. This is why I have pushed for a team blog, where members can promote their businesses, share ideas, and solve problems together. A resource that is uniquely focused on the needs of our group would be a good plan in the long term.
But the best way to start is with an existing respurce, and having spoken to one media expert in our group, the following platform has been recommended:
Members have requested that we hold conferences and events:
which is why I had pushed for the Zoom conference. As it turns out technical
issues prevented members from coming together to discuss face to face, which
was a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, as most members are in agreement, I
will continue to arrange conferences, through Skype and other means, so that we
may build towards Webinars and other resources.
All participants to the survey said they were prepared to travel
to events in other countries, which means it should be quite possible for our
group to host international events for members in the near future. In the early
stages, I believe one of our members’ venues will need to play host. (If you would like to volunteer your venue for a workshop or conference, please message me or the group on LinkedIn.) The host could book a slot, and cover the overheads of the event; while attendees would need to cover their travelling expenses. Eventually, we could
devise a subscription service to cover both these expenses, but I believe this
is the best arrangement for now.
And, because we are connected to people around the world, venue owners of our group should consider creating an international touring circuit for their artists. I believe that there is serious potential for this to help many of our members' performers.
Fundraising
Funding and fundraising are also hot topics for our group: indeed, one of our members is in the process of raising a large scale investment for an important project of hers. There are many tried and tested methods of fundraising, and access to funding, that our members can advise on. What I also think would help is asset-sharing. If we view our group as a giant production company, we will see that there are many resources held in our members venues and companies that could be used effectively to save on overheads. For example, physical assets like costumes, scenery, lighting and sound rigs, and many other assets, could be exchanged, shared and traded; if we coordinate our efforts and make formal agreements between members. I understand that members' business interests, contracts and logistical issues may make this difficult; but I urge members who are looking to save resources, to consider working with one another, as a solution.
CampaigningAnd, because we are connected to people around the world, venue owners of our group should consider creating an international touring circuit for their artists. I believe that there is serious potential for this to help many of our members' performers.
Fundraising
Funding and fundraising are also hot topics for our group: indeed, one of our members is in the process of raising a large scale investment for an important project of hers. There are many tried and tested methods of fundraising, and access to funding, that our members can advise on. What I also think would help is asset-sharing. If we view our group as a giant production company, we will see that there are many resources held in our members venues and companies that could be used effectively to save on overheads. For example, physical assets like costumes, scenery, lighting and sound rigs, and many other assets, could be exchanged, shared and traded; if we coordinate our efforts and make formal agreements between members. I understand that members' business interests, contracts and logistical issues may make this difficult; but I urge members who are looking to save resources, to consider working with one another, as a solution.
Our international membership makes a strong case for lobbying, for
members’ artistic causes. I am glad to see that members like the idea of
campaigns and lobbying for arts issues: including the place of arts in
education. I personally want our politicians and my fellow
businesspeople to respect the arts, and wholeheartedly agree with campaigning
and lobbying for this in the long term.
The Next Steps
Having taken all of the above into account, I believe we should start making small steps to make this happen. For example, members are welcome to access the links on this article, to post content and get exposure. I will also push for another conference for members to discuss face to face with one another, and agree on what we will do next. If you have a date in mind for this, please contact me, and we can set this in motion.
Small steps make big strides. Let's begin.
The Next Steps
Having taken all of the above into account, I believe we should start making small steps to make this happen. For example, members are welcome to access the links on this article, to post content and get exposure. I will also push for another conference for members to discuss face to face with one another, and agree on what we will do next. If you have a date in mind for this, please contact me, and we can set this in motion.
Small steps make big strides. Let's begin.