Class is in Session (Part 2): How to Find Your Audience as a Performance Artist

Dear readers, welcome to our second marketing session. In our first marketing guide for performance artists, we talked about the benefits of maximising social media use, joining a community of artists who share similar values with You, and taking advantage of opportunities to perform in different art spaces.

Get Your pens ready because we will now continue our dive into marketing. In this article, we will look at the benefits of making Your own Public Relations (PR) moves, and setting realistic and achievable goals for Yourself.

Here is part two of our marketing guide to help You get Your name out there.

Utilise Public Relations

PR is about telling Your story in a compelling way. With creativity and persistence, You can build a remarkable narrative to grab attention. Crafting a robust PR strategy is the foundation for gaining media coverage, attracting attention from industry leaders, and helping You build Your reputation.

Hiring a publicist is expensive, but there are steps You can take on Your own without spending lots of money.

Create a press kit.

This is a collection of materials that tells Your story. It includes a biography, some high-quality snaps of Yourself, and links to Your work. Having a professional press kit makes it easier for others to write about You.

Reach out to media.

Do some research about what kinds of magazines and media outlets You would like to be featured on. Remember that many other artists are doing the same thing, so get in touch with more local guides first to gain traction before reaching out to the big publications. Send them Your press kit along with personalised pitches explaining why You should be featured. You are more likely to get press coverage if You are doing something extraordinary. Think about new ways of organising and pitching Your story about a unique experience that You have never seen featured before.  

Leverage Your coverage.

Once You have performed out on the stage, find and ask audience members and other performances for testimonials, reviews, and endorsements. Feedback is important to learn about what works in Your performance, and it also helps You build social proof which You can then feature on Your website.

Engage with other influencers.

The podcast ecosystem is ripe for You to make a name for Yourself. There are so many new and niche podcasts out there looking for talented individuals to share their stories, so it is important to pitch Yourself as a potential interviewee.

Be patient – but persistent

It takes a lot of time and effort to get Your name noticed, and is often a very slow process. Staying patient yet persistent and continuously working on Your talent can gradually build Your presence.

Set realistic goals.

Consider Your short-term and long-term goals, and make sure You outline a plan to achieve them. Remember to celebrate Yourself when You achieve victories, whether large or small, because these will help You stay motivated.

Keep learning.

Getting better at Your own craft, as well as improving Your marketing skills, are ongoing processes which also keep changing. Learn more about the world You want to be successful in because knowledge of the wider landscape helps You take advantage of its opportunities (and gaps).

Embrace Your mistakes.

Mistakes are inevitable, but invaluable lessons. Taking these instances with a positive attitude and a dash of grace will help You stay focused and motivated. And if You are part of an art community that supports You and Your vision, these instances will be easier for You to overcome, and ultimately help You become a better version of Yourself.

The most valuable lesson we can impart is that by being authentic and having a compelling story, whether it’s Your personal journey or Your artistic one, and being open to discuss it, are beautiful ways You can reach Your audiences.

If You are looking to establish Yourself as an artist in the public eye, consider joining us at DNA. Art Club. At DNA., You can participate in a community and share Your stories freely.

It's easier to be authentic when You are amongst people who share Your values and want to celebrate with You. Let us help You grow in our safe space.

Words by Julia Gessner

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