March 1, 2010

Tennessee Arts Commission Announces Social Media Workshops

Advanced workshops are designed for state's nonprofit arts organizations


NASHVILLE - - Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blogs are hot! Social media is emerging as an effective and affordable method of communication for Tennessee’s arts organizations.  During the month of May, the Tennessee Arts Commission has contracted with CoolPeopleCare, Inc., to present Social Media 202 - a social media workshop presented in five locations across the state. These four-hour workshops are not for beginners or individuals. Each workshop will provide advanced training, and are available only for Tennessee’s nonprofit arts organizations that are already utilizing social media as part of their marketing strategy.

“The phenomenon of social media as a marketing resource is well documented,” says Rich Boyd, executive director of the Commission. “It is a successful tool that is cost effective. Arts groups should be taking advantage of it. The use of social media allows information to be disseminated quickly, and is a way to connect with a specific audience on a personal level. It’s an excellent medium for arts organizations to use in communicating their message.”

Workshops are scheduled for:

Memphis – Germantown Performing Arts Center
Rescheduled for May 20

Chattanooga – CreateHere
May 6

Nashville – Nashville Children’s Theater
May 10

Knoxville – The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville
May 12

Kingsport – Renaissance Center
May 13

Each workshop will run from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The workshop is free, but limited to 25 participants for each session (only one representative from each organization).  . Registration is available online at: www.arts.state.tn.us/social_media_registration.pdf.

For more information on registration, contact Keith Cunha at: keith.cunha@tn.gov.

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