the etiquette of getting press
As I am new to this fine arts / exhibiting scene, I’m still learning all the ins and outs of how to get your business done. Came across this article by Cara Ober, an arts writer for Urbanite – Press Etiquette: Helpful hints for artists in the pursuit of publication – and I think it’s got some great information…
(Headings from the article)
The Purpose of Press
To create a didactic situation and cement the artwork in the historical record with it’s social and cultural context.
The Golden Rule
Know the context, know your audience, know your (arts) writer. Approach the person and subject matter with respect. Essentially, if you want someone to care about your work, start off by showing (sincerely) that you care about their work (and writing).
The Essentials
The internet is for… networking. (If you thought I was going somewhere else with this, props for knowing contemporary musical theatre.) Know how to compose a good email for press:
Subject: Name – Title of show – Location – Dates of exhibition
Body: USE AN IMAGE. It doesn’t matter if you are visual, musical, written – make sure you use an image, be it of the visual work, your headshot, album cover, etc. Do not use an attachment or download.
Less is more. Name. Dates. Title. Sponsors. Location. Etc. Include the most important and relevant details here. Don’t boggle the recipient down with useless pandering.
Follow Up
Lack of response could simply mean they are busy. We are all. Get over it. Lather, rinse, repeat. Keep in contact by sending relevant and important information, like continued exhibitions, work, etc. Got a mailing list? Add the prospective press person to it.
And if you get an in, pay it forward. Send a follow-up thank you. Everyone loves a virtual ‘pat on the back’ every once in awhile. Or more often.