The Pew Internet and American Life Project- Arts Organizations and Digital Technologies

Arts Organizations and Digital Technologies, by the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, explores how arts organizations use digital technologies like social media, websites, and mobile apps to engage with audiences, create new content, or redefine their cultural imprint. 

The survey results also speak to the social media divide- between what organizations hope social media can do for them and the reality of limited resources (i.e. staff, training, etc.)  

Photo: Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Arts Organization Survey

More gold stars, please.

Life does not always fit nicely into text boxes.  Pre-defined 2px by 2px borders collapse when reality writes itself. Deadlines march past good intentions.

All this to say, it's been awhile since I updated this blog.

Blogging experts advise against such posting gaps.  

Your brand will lose ooomph. Your readers will lose confidence in your ability to entertain, to be a professional expert, they decry on blogs brimming with advertisements and confident, happy readers.

Uhmmm....can I post a picture of the gold-star I earned for sitting upright at my desk? 

No? 

As a writing instructor, I urge students to write through personal challenges. "It's cathartic," I say. "Some of your best writing can come as you push through the chaos. Content over emotions breaks writer's block." Meanwhile, I hide behind their assignments, grading past my own advice.  

Pedagogical niceties aside, I do believe writing offers insight and self-discovery. So does therapy or bungee jumping, which also come from a place of insanity and fear.  Writing, however, requires less jet fuel and Freudian slips, which is why I return to the page, or text box, time and time again. 

So, as I write about writing, or not writing to be more precise, I fill another text box. Not to entertain, not to brand myself, and certainly not to convince anyone that I am an expert.  

I write simply to practice, to push through the chaos and give voice to the moment.  Even if at this moment, I'm licking gold stickers and placing them on my forehead for having made it through another post. 

Visual Communications 101

What images work online?

How do you take an effective picture?

Have you been left in charge of photo editing your latest newsletter?

Here are some ideas from a presentation I gave to colleagues at the University of Michigan. 

Click image for full PDF. Feel free to share presentation content with attribution. Thank you.

Come visit at Instragram

kkurzawa on Instagram

Gallery Girl- Ann Arbor style

Bravo debuted a new show this week, Gallery Girls.  

TEASER: A battle is brewing between Brooklyn and the Upper East Side girls. Oh no! 

"They [Brooklyn girls] always get lipstick on their teeth and I hate that," said one exasperated UES actor. 

Really?  This is what Bravo thinks of women artists and gallery owners? No, you don't have to answer that.

When it comes down to it, women who make their living as visual artists, writers, and gallery directors deserve credit for the risks they take in their work, the networks they create, and the visual landscapes they shape for future generations.

That they can accomplish all of this while sporting a little black dress and red lipstick, or not, should be irrelevant.

But, sigh, this is Bravo. The television network whose concept of American geography is portrayed through the over-the-top characterizations of women living in cities like Atlanta or New York City.

Unlike TV's make-believe gallery world, Ann Arbor's artist community is supportive and growing. Established artists, students, and visiting artists work together to create an inclusive gallery season.

A week or so ago, I worked with Deb Greer, co-owner of the Chelsea River Gallery, to brainstorm for Rackham Graduate School's Centennial Exhibit 2012: Artists Innovators Alums.  

In a gallery overflowing with local artists, we shared our vision for the show. Lots of hushed, excited "Oooh, I just love her work, too!"  could be heard as we poured over portfolios.

I'm still deciding which pieces will make the final cut, but Deb asked me to choose among these images of strong, capable women!

Femmes

Watch for more information about the show, confirmed artists, and other gallery events in the area. Rackham's Centennial Exhibit will be an opportunity to see the work of many talented Ann Arbor artists.