Matt Lehrman on Audience Building
With gratitude, I share this interview with Brian Camelio, the founder of ArtistShare - a pioneering "fan-funding platform for artists" to which I was introduced just a few weeks ago. I contacted Brian through his website's general information e-mail and asked if he'd be willing to share his experience & insights. I am profoundly grateful for his willingness to do so. In addition to reading this interview, I encourage you to thoroughly … [Read more...]
Entirely wishful thinking on my part. But consider this: Now is an opportune - and incredibly necessary - time to connect the nation's arts & cultural policy to our country's most profound challenges. With all due respect and appreciation to NEA Chairs of the past, the ideal leader for President Obama's second term is someone who can substantially inspire, articulate and mobilize the significant opportunity of the arts & cultural … [Read more...]
This week, our youngest attended Freshman orientation at the far-away university she'll be attending in the Fall. So, perhaps that's what sparks this idea: Have you noticed how so many people who work in the arts & cultural sector - and in marketing and audience-development capacities in particular - have never before worked in the sector. No matter how qualified they are - no matter how much they have volunteered with a non-profit … [Read more...]
Have you ever been "upside down" in the marketing of a show - where you spent more on marketing than you earned in ticket sales? That's where this bright idea comes from. Let's admit that sometimes we present or produce works of theater more out of love than out of any expectation that we'll be able to sell tickets. Why must marketeers slog their way thru such efforts - when it so often proves that adage that the easiest way to make a … [Read more...]
Why doesn't the arts & cultural sector have something to sell that's equivalent to Girl Scout cookies? I mean, why isn't there something that high school drama clubs, marching bands, dance schools, community theatre groups or others can sell that drives people to specifically participate in their community's arts & cultural activities. Earlier this week, I suggested a "universal gift card" - but today, I offer that idea with a … [Read more...]
Here's a bright idea from Peter Van Allen of Bryn Mawr, PA... "I am a member of a number of museums and nonprofits -- maybe 8 or 9 all together. So throughout the year, I'm getting an almost constant stream of renewal notices. I can't keep them straight. Why can't there be one company or organization that keeps all your membership information in one database? It could keep track of all your renewals, plus it would remind you of your … [Read more...]
"The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas." In that spirit, AUDIENCE WANTED dedicates this summer to stirring up a potpourri of creative notions & half-baked thoughts around the purpose of growing audiences for the arts & cultural sector. Suspend practicality & judgment for the moment. We are just brainstorming here - with an emphasis on BIG thinking and CREATIVE efforts. Together, let's see if we can … [Read more...]
As principal of Audience Avenue LLC, Matt helps organizations (as well as entire communities) find creative ways to engage every sort of audience - attendees, visitors, members, users, supporters, donors, subscribers, fans, friends, followers, volunteers, tourists, spectators & stakeholders - in arts & cultural experiences.
Matt Lehrman is a dynamic speaker! His AUDIENCES EVERYWHERE presentations offer thought-provoking & highly-actionable ways to pursue innovation in audience building, based on the latest research in audience participation and cutting-edge developments in technology & social media.
www.AudienceAvenue.com [Read More …]
For too long, arts & cultural marketers have operated under the premise that the key to their organization's success is to "pick the low hanging fruit.” I have come to reject that premise. Fundamental changes in personal interests & … [Read More...]
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