Arts Administrator Conquers Technology

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Posted on 20th September 2009 by masterfiddle in Managing the Arts

After two weeks of deliberating and researching, I have successfully transitioned my original Artsopolis blog to its new home of Dynamic Arts on WordPress!  The delay in posts has not been for lack of material but due to technical logistics that with much help and support have  finally been  resolved.  I’d like to mention the helpful resources that I found in this process, because the arts are in ever greater need of free and reliable tech support.

First, I decided to move from Blogger to WordPress because I realized the power that WordPress has as a web design platform.  The only thing it needs to run is a web host.  By downloading the software on http://wordpress.org/, I have the ability to build a full-blown website without having to know html code (though an elementary understanding does help in the transfer from Blogger to WordPress). 

Moving from Blogger to WordPress is simple by going to “tools/import/blogger” in WordPress.  However, this may cause the blog to loose its ranking in Google and other search engines.  By following the instructions found here:  http://lifehacker.com/5357742/move-from-blogger-to-wordpress-without-losing-google-rank, all original blog data is transferred via ftp (file transfer protocol).  This is the stage that required tech help, as I need to get up to speed on file transfers and uploading to websites.   (Thanks to my techy brother Scott and husband Kevin for their patience and trouble-shooting).

Once this is done, the blog is up and running as normal on WordPress.  I then selected a new theme under “appearance/themes”.   (I first had to join the “free themes directory” to get the one I really wanted). After another ftp into my web hosting site, and the theme displays on my blog! 

Simple adjustments such as adding categories and filtering my blog posts have set up my new blog in a more professional way than I was able to have on Blogger.

A web presence is increasingly critical for arts organizations in marketing and developing their customer base.  Because we hope that daily operations won’t look like this:

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 OR THIS:techsupportIt is imperative for arts administrators to understand how technology can affect business operations.  Luckily, googling just about any technical question supplies answers FOR FREE!  On tight budgets and tighter personnel, arts organizations must be savvy in how they respond to the increased use in technology.  So now, back to web design and life as a musician (rather than a graphic artist).

Nomadic Arts Administration

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Posted on 8th September 2009 by masterfiddle in Community Arts Internship, Sisters 2009

As my internship in Sisters, Oregon nears its end, I have begun to reflect on the adventure and lessons learned. One important thing that I had not considered prior to this expereince is the fluidity and mobility of the arts administration field as a whole. Dealing with financial struggles, technology issues and globalization can make the arts a moving target that becomes harder and harder for audiences to latch onto.
Artists and arts administrators must create clear messaging that quickly and easily portrays the value of the arts to the community. Here in Sisters, there are a few large umbrella arts organizations such as Sisters Art Works, Sisters Park and Recreation District (SPRD), and The Sisters Chamber of Commerce that organize arts events and support local artists. A bulk of the arts activity in this area are conceived, planned, and produced by local artist individuals who have a passion for the arts. Through house concerts, art classes and shows, and festivals, this small (1700 population) town is actaully brimming with art activities.

As the Community Arts Intern in Sisters, I have been working with four different organizations in Sisters all summer. Being a multi-purpose intern for an art gallery, an individual artist, and two festivals has been an eye-opening experience into the inner workings of multiple types of arts organizaitons. The internship has also illustrated the important role that individual artists play in motivating an artistic community.

Artsists in the Central Oregon area are extremely mobile and fill multiple roles such as being river rafting guides, grant consultants, art teachers, artists, and administrators. Artists and musicians wear multiple hats in larger metropolitain areas, but I am surprised at how it rings true for small Sisters, Oregon as well.My own possition as a nomadic arts intern – moving from one organizaiton to another and between generous home stay situations – has illuminated the importance of flexibility but also the value that location plays in the arts.

Nancy Becker glass art at Sisters Art Works

Nancy Becker glass art at Sisters Art Works

 

 

Although art is now traded globally, the economic impact of the arts begins in our own backyards.
The sense of place in Sisers and nearby Bend is driven by the forest and its preservation. While traveling between Eugene and Sisters on many occasions, I have collected some photos of the majestic mountain scenery. These pictures should give some idea of the beauty that the artists here are inspired to work with.