Zoom workshop help Golden Plains Shire artists go digital

THE Shire’s third virtual ArtsACTION workshop will explore digital communities, and opportunities for creatives in the online world.

Facilitated via Zoom on Thursday, 27 August, arts and culture advisor, Kim Biggs said the session is all about enabling artists to share their work on the web and make connections there.

“It will cover everything from an introduction through social media networks and marketing yourself online, through to some basic information about setting up ecommerce sites,” she said.

“There are options, along with some recommendations for good places to start, and places that might cater to those a little bit more advanced.

“It’s a reasonably broad workshop but provides a really good basis if people are interested in going down that track.”

The ArtsACTION team is mindful participants will be at varying points of experience with their art or business.

“Some will be quite accomplished in some areas, and not in other areas. There will also be people who are just getting used to linking up via Zoom, let alone everything else,” Ms Biggs said.

“It’s good in terms of providing a really broad range of angles and entry points, without compromising on the content.”

Any artist or resident in the community who’s interested to log on and participate is welcome to.

“The workshop is appropriate, and would be of value, to anyone interested in digital communities, online collaboration and having an online presence.

“They could be working in the community services sector. You don’t have to come from an arts background,” Ms Biggs said.

“It’s certainly more focused around people working in regional, smaller communities and probably has more of a focus towards practicing artists and non-profit groups, but all the information is very easily transferrable.”

The participatory session will run from 1.30pm for two and a half hours, showcasing a couple of local people as case studies, and offering networking opportunities.

“Our case studies have done amazing things and it’s interesting to hear their story, how they got there and get some tips from them, as well as the facilitation the workshop presenters will provide.

“It’s great to get artists all together, particularly now. We encourage as much participation as possible, and although we can’t physically be together, it’s a really good opportunity for the arts community to network and be online together,” Ms Biggs said.

“There’s a sense that people are really sharing information, which is nice, too.”

The first two ArtsACTION workshops earlier this year covered effective collaboration, with a Meredith Music Festival case study, and market readiness.

A series of free, emailed training packages are still accessible, providing an introduction to each topic.

Visit popupart.com.au/goldenplains to secure tickets via an Eventbrite link, or contact [email protected] or 5220 7111 for more information.