LAS CRUCES – In the olden days, we called it mass media. For
some time, the cool kids have been into multiplatform everything: marketing,
promotion and communication in general.
I’ve been in the thick of it, one way or another, since the
middle of the last century, and however the forms or venues change, it boils
down to the same basic concept: get your story out and let people know what you
do. This is true whether you’re a visual or performing artist, and if you’re
also attempting to make a living with what you do, it can get a lot more
complex.
Once you’ve got something to show, showcase it in the best,
most professional way you can manage. A portfolio used to be enough for many in
the arts. Now you need terrific photos of you and your work, a dynamic
non-gibberistic artist’s statement, and maybe (or definitely for performance
artists) a boffo video of you at work doing what you do, along with rave
reviews from those respected in your field and a biography that’s as impressive
as you can make it.
All that may help open some doors. Go through as many as you
can. Visit art galleries and museums (many are surprised to discover that all
our city and state museums feature art shows and exhibits) and check out
private museums and school and municipal buildings which sometimes feature
exhibits or would be amenable to trying something new. In our artsy state,
hospitals, restaurants, hotels, offices (particularly physician’s offices),
airports and even plumbing companies have art collections and exhibits.
And don’t forget special events, holiday celebrations and
fiestas.
You may have to donate your services, or risk losing a piece
on consignment, and only you can decide if it’s a risk worth taking.
We have lots of organizations for both visual and performing
artists. Join as many as you can, especially here, where we have a remarkably
supportive community willing to share tips on everything from technique to
marketing, and many have their own shows or band together to organize group
shows at top venues. ArtForms Artists Association of New Mexico www.artformsnm.org
has been especially generous in developing venues during February for the Love
of Art Month.
There are lots of contests around, too. Do online searches
and enter as many as possible, especially the free or low-entry fee
competitions. You may be surprised at some of the contests and the quality of
entries. Both the New Mexico State Fair and the Southern New Mexico State Fair
have contests for photography and several categories and mediums of art. There
are competitions and showcases for dancers, too, and playwrights, singers,
poets, songwriters, storytellers and musicians.
Get out there. Especially if you’re a new artist or new in
the territory. Sing and play or apply for a booth at the Las Cruces Farmers
& Crafts Market. Start a blog and a website and consider strutting your
stuff via Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Etsy and whatever other vital
forums that have popped up since I started this paragraph. Consider seeking
professional help to develop and link your platforms.
While cybershowcases have an important place, I always
remember artist and gallery owner Carolyn Bunch’s statement that it’s hard to
see the hand of the artist online. I believe close encounters between artists
and art lovers can be beneficial to everyone.
And you thought creating great art was the hard part.
We’d like to make it a little easier.
Once you’ve got something to show and a place to show it,
help get the word out to the media. You’ll have the best shot if you send us
clear concise information about the artist and the event: who, where, what,
when, why (if there is a why: a benefit, special fiesta or occasion). Email clear,
high-resolution photos (identify everybody, left to right) and links to short
videos if available. Do all this as soon as possible and at least two weeks
before you’d like the word to get out. If you feel overwhelmed by it all, look
for and study the kind of print, online or broadcast stories you’d like to see
about yourself or your group or event.
At
the Sun-News, we’ve long held the philosophy that art can sometimes be big news
in a city like ours with such a vibrant and creative arts community. The place
for your story could be in breaking news, features, Pulse and Things to Do
(print and online) and even our business section. A good place to start: submit
items to news.desk@newsdesk.com or
calendar@lcsun-news.com and be sure to include
as much contact information as possible: name, organization, email and phone
number.
Where to start at the Las Cruces Sun-News www.lcsun-news.com
Lucas Peerman, director of content, lpeerman@lcsun-news.com,
575-541-5446: Assigns online and print coverage of breaking news events,
including photo and reporter assignments covering festivals, arts and cultural
breaking news, etc.
Brenda Masengill, features editor, bmasengill@lcsun-news.com,
575-541-5439: Assigns in-depth feature coverage of arts, cultural, social
trends, etc. for Friday and Sunday SunLife sections and Healthy U monthly
magazine and Wednesday health features.
Lorena Sanchez, Pulse editor, lsanchez@lcsun-news.com,
575-541-5464: Advance arts & entertainment news and features, A & E
profiles, restaurant reviews, etc.
Frances Silva, community editor, fsilva@lcsun-news.com
575-541-5456: Print and online events calendars, community briefs, arts briefs
Jason Gibbs, business editor, jgibbs@lcsun-news.com:
575-541-5451: Business news and features. (Galleries, artists, and A & E
related programs are sometimes featured in the Sunday business magazine’s
profile pieces, plus opening of new businesses in business briefs.
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