101 Ways to Promote the Arts

Hey all I know this is cheating a bit, as I'm going to post an article written by someone else, but it is so invaluable to the OOB/Indie world, I think this is a great place for it. Additionally, on Wednesday I'm recording a Podcast with Martin Denton about Publicity, I'll let you know when it is airing...stay tuned.

101 Ways to Promote the Arts:
Compiled by the Arts & Business Council of Miami

When looking at the suggestions on this list, consider your Target customers. Try
to see things through the Target customer's point-of-view. Will they respond well
to this particular type of promotion? Is the type of Promotion likely to reach the
customers your organization is trying to capture? Do you have facts to back up
your assumptions?

1. Develop relationship with neighborhood shops
2. Point of purchase displays to sell tickets
3. Hand out postcards and fliers in neighborhood
4. Opening Night Sponsorship with local business
5. Tie-ins to other events
6. Perform at halftime at a sports event - Hand out information before and
after
7. Live radio broadcasts at programs in return for free media ads
8. Statement stuffers in local banks, stores, etc.
9. Contests for children to win free tickets
10. Grocery bag printing about event
11. Newsletter
12. Print restaurant trays with info about event
13. Posters
14. Holiday decorations display or sale at December performances and
events
15. Speak at a local Rotary or Kiwanis club
16. Local business provides all the ushers for a performance as a corporate
team
17. Media co-sponsorships
18. Endorsements or ads by celebrities
19. Target specific groups. Example: Women, Families
20. Fliers in chamber newsletters
21. Special campus promotions to sell tickets
22. Give away the Front Row as Radio Promotion
23. Opening Night Reception with the Artists
24. Meet the Artist events
25. Restaurant, show, limo packages for patrons
26. Special hand out nights - Example: Fang giveaway for Dracula
performance
27. Slides at local movie theatres
28. Special extras for season subscribers
29. Family promotions at matinees - Example: Tea party with the dancers
for Nutcracker
30. Behind the scenes events and promotions
31. Costumed courier to hand out information
32. Mall exhibits and ticket giveaways
33. Fashion show themed around program - Example: a swimsuit show for
South Pacific
34. Videos of performance highlights
35. Local weather remotes - broadcast live from your site, cast sings "You
Are My Sunshine"
36. Celebrity or VIP Ushers
37. Discounts for specific groups
38. Special Offer mailings to Target audience
39. Benefit tie-ins - food drive during opening night
40. Co-host performance and reception with charity
41. Broadcast e-mail about upcoming events
42. Website with performance and ticket specials
43. Balloon drop with free tickets in some balloons
44. Neighborhood store theme Window Displays
45. Beverage company tie-ins - xyz wine night with free samples, wine
company advertises event
46. Win a Dinner Date with the star or an artist
47. Singles performance with reception
48. Pre-show demonstrations
49. Place postcards about upcoming events in shops and restaurants in the
neighborhood
50. Video streaming on website to showcase
51. Patron buttons or cards to receive special gifts
52. Scavenger Hunts
53. Neighborhood Restaurant Bill Promotion - a flier for your event is
presented with each bill
54. Related visual art display in the lobby
55. Photo contest
56. E-mail newsletter
57. E-mail invitation with special discount
58. Trio Discounts - buy three shows get one free
59. Collective ads with neighborhood groups
60. Annual event tie ins
61. Senior citizen programs and discounts
62. Bounce back ads on back of tickets
63. Perform at malls - hand out information
64. Perform at festivals - hand out information
65. Radio promotions with free tickets
66. Nursing home appearances by artists
67. Children's hospital appearance by artists
68. Easter egg hunt with spring shows - some eggs have free tickets
69. Focus group brunch
70. Costumed characters at business event
71. Arts Talk
72. Gallery walk with collective ads
73. Arts Night in the Neighborhood
74. Bring Your Neighbor promotion
75. Door hanging invitations
76. Ads in church and temple bulletins
77. Audience Surveys
78. Test Drive Promotion - Car dealer gives free tickets to your performance
to anyone who tests drive a specific car - dealer pays for tickets and
advertises event in their test drive ads
79. Postcards, fliers at related performances
80. Trade ads with related arts groups
81. Niche advertising
82. Customer Appreciation programs
83. Lobby promotions with local business
84. Concierge - Dinner reservations in the lobby
85. TV public service announcements
86. Cable television tie-ins
87. Giving tree in the lobby
88. Performance/event on Arts Council website
89. Performance/event on visitors bureau website
90. Condo group sales promotion
91. Perform at local condos - sell tickets
92. Event/performance featured in sponsors ads
93. In-house business Promotion to sell tickets
94. Listing in Arts Connection newsletter
95. Listings in free social and community websites
96. Calendar listings - be creative
97. Supervised children's area for parents
98. Tell A Friend campaigns
99. Perform at libraries
100. Tickets to hotels/concierges
101. Shuttle buses to event from hotels/condos

ArtsMarketing http://www.artsmarketing.org

As always you can contact me with questions!
Fondly,
Katie Rosin
Publicist New York IT Awardswww.kampfirefilmspr.com
pr@nyitawards.com
917-438-9223