A first of its kind seminar bringing together experts in the fields of event planning, advertising, marketing and increasing ticket sales for all arts organizations is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center in Jonesboro.

According to event organizer Andre De Lorenzo, “This is a great learning opportunity for every arts organization in the Southern Crescent. In our area, arts organizations, regardless of their size, face the same challenges as organizations in Atlanta. Perhaps even on a greater scale because of a lack of knowledge about today’s marketing trends, professional management techniques, availability of funding, lack of suitable venues and limited exposure. To address these issues and provide a vehicle for the exchange of expertise and ideas in these vital areas, we’ve established this seminar.”

Attendance at this one day seminar will be open to every arts organization in Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, South Fulton, Spalding and Troup counties. “We have invited subject matter experts in areas of management, advertising, promotion, marketing, scheduling, sponsorship and financing to speak on their field of expertise,” he said.

A partial list of presenters includes Flora Maria Garcia, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition; Stephanie Lee, Interim Director of the Ferst Center for the Arts; Dr. Anita Lloyd, Coordinator for the Clayton Performing Arts Center; Paul R. Pierce, Producing Artistic Director of the Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of Georgia; Lisa Cremin, Director, Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund; and Kim Patrick Bitz, Executive Director of the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts.

“The list of presenters grows every day and we expect additional participation from individuals representing state and national arts organizations. They are excited about this opportunity to share their expertise with our Southern Crescent organizations,” stated De Lorenzo. “Topics that will be covered include everything from how to best plan for an effective season, the business of the arts, effective advertising and marketing techniques, how to apply for and win grants and where assistance is available. There are a number of state and national organizations that can provide planning and training that has proved to be effective for the arts from the smallest community groups to the largest of county managed venues. The techniques discussed at this seminar are equally important and useful to both visual and performing arts organizations.”

Advance registration for the all-day seminar, which includes breaks and lunch is $35 per person. Day of event registration will be $50.

“Thanks to the cooperation of the presenters who are volunteering their time without compensation, we are able to keep this important seminar affordable to every individual associated with an arts organization,” De Lorenzo said.

Information and a registration form are available by e-mail from southsideartsagenda@comcast.net or by calling 404-822-9057.

login to post comments