|
ARTS MARKETING
ON-LINE MARKETING
The AIC’s website currently draws thousands of visitors per month. The most frequently visited sections of the website are the calendar, arts directory, and creative classifieds. Our calendar of events is an interactive, “one-stop” calendar of arts and cultural events and activities for the Greater Calhoun County Area. The calendar is searchable by city, date, venue, and event type. AIC members can enter event information including artist names, admission prices, website address, contact/event information, photos, and sponsor logos.
ARTS DIRECTORY
The arts directory is a marketing tool used by AIC members to market themselves to the public. The directory allows members to list the following: contact information, member statement, bio, a website link, whether a member is available for hire or is an arts educator, three visual or audio samples of work, and studio hours, among other items. The AIC is actively marketing both the arts calendar and the arts directory via the WhereIsArt.com marketing campaign!
CREATIVE CLASSIFIEDS
Members may post advertisements on the creative classifieds along with audio clips, visual documents or a website address. Once activated, the ad will display until the chosen expiration date.
ON-LINE E-NEWSLETTER
Anyone interested in receiving a weekly electronic update on “what’s happening” in Calhoun County may sign up via the AIC website at www.WhereIsArt.com. The e-newsletter also provides another avenue for personal, business, and organizational arts marketing.
Co-Op Billboard Program
The AIC offers an affordable co-op billboard program to assist members in promoting their programs and business. By using advertising on billboards you can increase public awareness of your business, organization, or event. Additional “Art” characters may be commissioned by the AIC as participants needs dictate. Billboards generall run for four weeks beginning the first Monday of the month. Co-op billboards are located on surface streets in Calhoun County. This does not include highway boards. The AIC covers most of the billboard expense. Co-op participants are only required to pay the poster printing costs, which are based on the quantities of each design ordered. For more information about the Co-Op Billboard Program, please click here to download the Co-Op Billboard Guidelines.
Discounted Advertising
AIC Members are eligible for discounted rates in the Battle Creek Enquirer’s weekly WOW entertainment section. The WOW section highlights “creative happenings” throughout the Greater Battle Creek Region and covers local events, concerts, nightlife, movies, and eateries. The WOW section is distributed every Thursday to readers throughout Calhoun & Kalamazoo County. For more information about advertising rates and sizes in the Battle Creek Enquirer’s WOW section please click here.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The AIC is pleased to offer its members discounted photography rates. Two local photographers (Dave Melges of Dave Melges Grafika and Dena Phaff-Haas of Phaff Portrait Studio) have partnered with us to offer this quality service at an affordable price. Each photographer offers various services to suit the needs of a growing business. For more information on photography services offered, please click here.
GRANTS AND COMMISSIONS
The AIC provides funding to arts and cultural organizations across Calhoun, Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Jackson Counties. The AIC administers the Arts Marketing & Programming Grant as well as the Creative Industries Development Grant for individual artists and creative based industries and is the re-granting agency for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Region 16 Minigrant Program. Each grant program has specific application deadlines, program parameters, funding rounds, and eligibility requirements. The AIC also conducts grant-writing workshops throughout the region. Guidelines and applications, as well as workshop dates and information for each grant program are available at www.WhereIsArt.com/grants/grants.aspx.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The AIC offers programs throughout the year to assist members in developing or enhancing their organizations or businesses. Our workshops and trainings are designed to deliver skill-building opportunities to artists, arts/cultural organizations, and arts businesses in the Greater Calhoun County Region. Below are some tools to help you start or enhance your business.
Battle Creek Self Employment Program (BCSEP)
The BCSEP, sponsored by the Battle Creek Chamber Foundation, is a micro enterprise development program designed to help individuals start a business. Through this 10 week program, individuals are provided with technical assistance, networking activities, access to office space in the Chamber’s business incubator, and follow up counseling and support provided by area mentors. This program gives you the opportunity to evaluate your business idea, determine whether your idea has “legs,” and if starting a business is the right decision for you. For more information contact the AIC at 269.441.2700.
Training & RoundtableS
The AIC regularly hosts trainings and roundtables on various topics of interest to artists, arts/cultural organizations and arts businesses. Past topics have included art licensing, Photoshop, intellectual property rights, and other business related sessions. Please view the AIC’s calendar of events for future dates and program details.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Credit Card Processing
The AIC offers credit card processing services for all members. The AIC charges a 5% fee for each transaction to cover various processing charges. An AIC credit card processing form must be completed for each sale. If you are interested in this service, please contact the AIC obtain the proper processing forms and instructions.
Bulk Mail
Non-profit AIC member organizations can take advantage of special mailing rates by using bulk mail permit. If you are mailing 200 or more pieces, you could save over 50% of your postage rates by using this service. Contact the AIC prior to creating your mail piece to obtain mailing requirements.
Mailing Database
As an AIC member you can have access to our mailing base of over 30,000 names. The list, updated annually, is directed toward arts consumer demographics in our area. Contact our office at 269.441.2700 for more information.
|