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Without effectively marketing and promoting your project, you could have an excellent arts program that is virtually unattended. By utilizing diverse marketing tactics and by getting the word out early, you can increase your chances to maximize attendance and support for your project. In addition to paid advertising in periodicals and on television, here are a few other helpful suggestions.

• Early marketing - even if you do not have the artists or other details confirmed for your project, once you have the name, date and location for the event, you can begin promoting it. Consider options like “save the date” postcards or emails, posting the event on community calendars and your organization’s website. You can always include a statement that lets people know they should stay tuned such as: “Check back next week for more details.”

• Take advantage of free media outlets and social media. Almost everyone today seems to use Facebook and Twitter to share and exchange information. The same can no longer be said for newspapers and television.

• Writing and sending press releases to local and regional media outlets. If your project has the potential to attract tourists to your community, consider including statewide and regional media outlets in your marketing efforts. In addition take advantage of services offered by your local chamber of commerce or the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

• Utilize your artists in promoting the project. Photographs of the artist or of their artwork can increase interest in the program. Your contracted artists may be willing to provide an interview with local media personnel prior to the event in your community. Perhaps the artist(s) would even consider offering a promotional or outreach performance in the community to boost visibility prior to the event.

• Utilize your community partnerships. Local businesses might assist in marketing the project by allowing you to place a poster or fliers in the lobby or window of their business. If your project is a ticketed event, consider offering free tickets to local community service organizations. Consider a reduced ticket rate for groups or special audiences such as senior citizens.