ArtsGeorgia » Directory of the Arts Advisors Meeting Final Report and Agenda

Directory of the Arts Advisors Meeting Final Report and Agenda

ArtsGeorgia
March 19, 2015
Final Report
Directory of the Arts Advisors Meeting

Need: Who would use an arts directory, and for what reasons?

We identified four possible audiences and related needs:

  1. The “arts industry” who wants to find services and opportunities (both individual and organizational, profit and nonprofit, regardless of discipline). This might include information about competitions, grants, festivals, facilities, etc.
  2. The general public, looking for a calendar of events.
  3. The “informal arts” sector, looking for classes, workshops or other opportunities for active participation (such as singing in a community choir).
  4. Visitors, looking for interesting arts/cultural/historic sites, events, etc. This audience might include “connectors,” such as hotel concierges or Visitors’ Centers.

Generally we agreed not to list individual events, performances, venues, etc., but to aggregate existing lists of events, etc.

Assets & Intent: What’s already in place and available? Is it adequate?

AtlantaPlanit is a widely used, searchable database for arts and cultural activities in the greater Metro area, popular with Atlanta residents and visitors alike. No agency is currently aggregating such data in the rest of Georgia, although most events can be found by googling specific cities. The Department of Tourism would be a natural place for visitors to look for activities, but the current website is confusing and the content is very limited.

  • SpaceFinder is a model that could be expanded state-wide. This database could be useful for touring artists, film/video/sound recording companies, and even general public looking for space rentals for special events.
  • Nearly every professional arts organization in the state has a website, some of which include directories (such as www.Atlantaperforms.biz and South Arts’ directory of southern presenters). Many of these websites are listed and linked at artsgeorgia.net/directory/georgia/ .
  • The SourceBook for GA film/TV at ozonline is a searchable directory.
  • Other than the AtlantaPerforms.biz, Artist Registries seem to be in short supply. Fulton County has a curated list for the Metro area; the slide registry at the former Atlanta College of Arts no longer exists; Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Fulton County Arts and Culture office have public art programs with public art registry links on their websites.

Implementation

Advisors settled on a proposal for a “directory of directories” – a way to understand what information is already available.

Advisors also envisioned a statewide directory with short descriptions, organized into distinct areas and categories, with contact info and a hyperlink to a website. (An attractive example was the Chilliwack Community Arts Council’s website.) Developing the taxonomy of such an aggregate site is the next important task. Finally, we agreed that the Directory of the Arts in Georgia is definitely on-line. Future versions could be transformed and morphed into topical print publications from information contained in completed data bases.

Although there may be a valid demand for an artist registry, that is a major administrative undertaking. C4 has plans to initiate an Atlanta artist registry, and there may be a future opportunity to collaborate with ArtsGeorgia for support and expansion into a statewide artist registry.

Next Steps

  • C-4 Atlanta will ask Fractured Atlas about interest/feasibility in expanding SpaceFinder Atlanta to the state of Georgia.
  • ArtsGeorgia will develop a Directory of Directories to other directories, calendars and related resources. This will be considered for web and print versions.
  • ArtsGeorgia will develop a statewide Arts Directory of arts organizations and local arts councils beginning with a prototype of 5-10 entries to test design (inspired by Chilliwack) or other examples and discern funder interest. The prototype will require the development of a useful taxonomy and then recruiting local arts councils and arts organizations to participate.
  • C-4 Atlanta and ArtsGeorgia will partner on the development of a Directory of Artists with listings for metro Atlanta artists and Georgia artists accessible on multiple websites. An initial step will be consulting with an information architect for advice and guidance on the creation of the database structure.
  • ArtsGeorgia will continue to develop AV options with a possible YouTube channel for the statewide directory of arts organizations and local arts councils.

 

Directory of the Arts in Georgia Project
C 4 Atlanta Fuse Arts Center
March 19, 2015

AGENDA

Introductions/Agenda Review: Kathie deNobriga

History & Framing: Bill Gignilliat

Key Questions:

Ascertain Need: Who would use an arts directory, and for what reasons?

Identify Assets: What’s already in place and available?

Discern Intent: Are existing directories adequate? If not, in what ways? Is it useful to move forward? If yes, then gain clarity on the audience and their needs.

Clarify Content: What information should a statewide arts directory contain & who should be included? Discussion of criteria.

Logistics:

  • Location: Website vs. Print publication
  • Format:    Text vs. Video (demo)
  • Publicity: Marketing vs. word of mouth

Implementation:

  • Support:   Partners vs. Sponsors
  • Funding:   Fees vs. Crowd funding vs. Grants

Next Steps and Timeline

Adjourn