Arts for Learning, Miami
Public Relations is vital to the success of a non-profit organization. No matter how important the cause, never expect that everyone knows about your organization.
Effective and consistent communication can build awareness and establish credibility in support of fundraising efforts.
Helping Arts for Learning (A4L) with their public relations plan meant reviewing the types of marketing and public relations efforts that were implemented in the past and, then, deciding upon a plan that would meet their immediate needs and help them work towards reaching their goals.
A4L first requested a press release that would introduce the two newest members to their Board. Although, the organization has made this type of announcement before, I took the opportunity to introduce in the release A4L's mission and update their boiler plate as follows:Arts for Learning is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing teaching and learning through the arts and community cultural resources. As a leading source of arts integrated programs in Miami, A4L connects the arts to other subjects to support academic achievement and child development. A4L programs develop life and communication skills, build self-esteem, support literacy and problem solving, and encourage students to become self-directed learners. A4L partners with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, MIami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and Young Audiences - A4L's national affiliate. A4L's services are delivered to more than 10,000 children and youth in approximately 100 schools, preschools, after-school programs, and summer camps throughout Miami-Dade with plans to expand into Broward.
The next plan was to begin promoting A4L's annual major fundraising event - "Breakfast for Brilliance." With about 5 weeks time ahead of the event, calendar announcements were quickly submitted so that they could be found both online and in print publications. A "photo opp" press release to announce the event was also sent out.
Shortly before their major event, A4L wanted some exposure to an event that would announce their partnership with the Miami Children's Initiative. A post-event release was sent out.
Whether or not members of the media cover the event or not, it's always good to have your own photographer and send out another press release immediately following the event.
And the press release sent out was featured here:
To see more photos click here
As I further develop experience in working with non-profit organizations plus sharpen my community outreach and grant writing skills, I feel that it's not just part of the job, but an obligation and courtesy to use my ability to reach the press and help publicize the organizations that provide grants and sponsorship for developing programs.
Last year, I was asked to help publicize a new A4L Initiative titled, "ArtWorks" - a student internship program. It is through publicity efforts, that an organization can say thanks for the people and organizations that help fund programs.
Art Business News is a national print and online publication that provides industry news, marketing matters and emerging trends that drive sales for artpublishers, galleries, solo artists and art-related business.
Miami Herald Journalist Christina Mayo writes about the ArtWorks program in the Sunday, Miami Herald "Friends and Neighbors" section. Read the article here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/20/2904636_p2/st-brendan-teen-raises-money-for.html
The South Florida Times is a print and online publication. The site is interactive and has 1.2 million hits per month and 44,500 unique visitors per month. It is distributed twice per month throughout South Florida at Walgreens and Walmart stores. Read the A4L ArtWorks article here: http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10552&Itemid=144
Tagged “Hired to Create. Inspired to Succeed,” Arts for Learning ArtWorks is designed to engage students in the art-making process while providing meaningful employment as they develop an understanding and appreciation of the arts. Read the Miami Art Guide article here: http://www.miamiartguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4209:75000-ubs-grant-allows-arts-for-learning-miami-to-pilot-artworks-&catid=988:latest-news&Itemid=100389
From the smallest insertion to an editorial, publicizing events requires advance lead time. Although I am not involved with the event planning, I try to create a unique experience to promote so that the community and media will be interested.
or me, it's always important to seek out new media sources. I carefully select who I send press releases to and am constantly looking for new sources too. Read about the Lewis Art Studio's Summer Open House and Exhibit here: http://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/2012/07/celebrate-summer-art-at-lewis-art-studio.html
Miami Herald Journalist, Bea Hines wrote about the Lewis Arts Studio Open House in the Sunday, July 29, 2012 "Friends and Neighbors" column available online and print in the Neighbors section. Read the article here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/29/v-fullstory/2914406/rabbi-aims-to-help-florida-farm.html
I try to list the event and venue at least four weeks ahead of time in as many places as possible:
MiamiArtZine is a free online magazine that showcases the people and events generating Miami's world renowned theater, dance, film and visual arts scene. Read the ArtWorks article here: http://www.miamiartzine.com/arts-du-jour/1277-whats-up-in-the-magic-city
