A tale of two cultural cities
Communications director of New York’s MoMA PS1 to present master class in Glasgow
TWO cities of culture are set to share their communications expertise when the Big Apple comes to the Dear Green Place.
On Tuesday 19 February 2013, one of the leading experts in non-profit communications and social media in the United States, Rebecca Taylor, will present a webcast master class at Glasgow Sculpture Studios for Scotland’s arts, culture, and heritage sector professionals.
Hosted by AmbITion Scotland, the master class is designed for Scotland’s museums, galleries and heritage sectors as part of a webcast seminar on digital engagement which will consider the question, ‘Is a Digital Picture Worth a Thousand Words’.
Whilst the 21st century technology explosion has rendered many conventional ideas around communication obsolete, the adage ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’, has never been more relevant than it is for today’s generation of digital savants.
Although content should be specially tailored across platforms, the one element that works successfully across all platforms is a visual image.
Although the culture sector has embraced more word-centric platforms like Twitter, it has struggled with the challenges posed by visual platforms such as Instagram and Tumblr, with issues of copyright being one of the main stumbling blocks.
Drawing on her experience of developing and implementing strategic communications plans and initiatives for MoMA PS1 and other U.S. museums and galleries, Ms Taylor will explore how cultural venues can engage its audience digitally through visuals whilst still encouraging them to experience the objects, events and exhibitions in person.
As communications director of MoMA PS1, one of the oldest and largest non-profit contemporary art institutions in the United States, Ms Taylor manages all communications functions for the museum.
She previously served as Senior Communications Specialist at The J. Paul Getty Trust in Los Angeles, and is a contributor to the Huffington Post.
Giving the Glasgow perspective, David Scott, Digital & New Media curator for Glasgow Museums, will present a case study of visual engagement using digital tools inside museums across the city.
As digital curator for the £74 million Riverside Museum Project, David was instrumental in the development and creation of over 70 individual instances digital that interpret Riverside’s story-based displays.
Last year, saw the creation of a Digital & New Media department demonstrating Glasgow Museums’ commitment to digital interpretation, both in-gallery and online.
The event will also be webcast live for anyone interested in or using the visual image online as content and a means for engagement and participation, and for any sector professional interested in developing a presence on newer online social visual platforms
Ben Spencer, producer, VELOCITY, welcomes the opportunity that the seminar presents: “Everyone talks about the importance of digital communication and social networking. In rapidly changing online environments, it’s difficult to feel informed and up to date with current and future developments.
“AmbITion events are excellent for hearing about models of practice from elsewhere and to put your own thinking into context. ‘Is a digital picture worth a thousand words’ is of particular interest with its key speaker from MoMA PS1 in New York and a focus on audience engagement.”
FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA TAYLOR CONTACT: Heather MacLeod T: +44 (0) 07841144157 E: words@heather.uk.net or Ela Zych-Watson +44 (0) 141 248 6864
E: ela@culturesparks.co.uk
Notes to editors:
About Rebecca Taylor
With nearly a decade of experience working in museums, Rebecca Taylor is an expert in non-profit communications and social media, having lectured extensively on the subject, including most recently at Marketing de las Artes in Madrid, Spain, as well as testifying before the New York City Council about the power of social media and the arts.
Ms. Taylor previously served as senior communications specialist at The J. Paul Getty Trust in Los Angeles, where she strategically developed and executed communications initiatives for the Getty Museum, including its exhibitions, programs, acquisitions, and other institutional news.
Prior to the Getty, she was public relations co-ordinator at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), where she coordinated all public and media relations activities. In addition, Ms. Taylor contributes to the Huffington Post (Arts & Culture) and was an instructor at UCLA Extension from 2006-2011, offering courses in contemporary art history and the art world.
About AmbITion Scotland
AmbITion Scotland is a digital development programme specifically designed to support individuals and organisations working in the arts, culture and heritage sectors in Scotland. It helps organisations and individuals grow in their capability, capacity, creativity and confidence to make the most of the opportunities of digital technologies.
AmbITion helps organisations become digitally fitter so they can adapt to the social, cultural, and economic changes of the digital technology revolution.
AmbITion Scotland is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and is a core piece of Creative Scotland’s Cultural Economy Programme. AmbITion Scotland AmbITion Scotland is designed and project managed by Culture Sparks in partnership with Rudman Consulting, and works strategically with digital development programme partners to offer a range of opportunities for digital learning and development, experimentation, and innovation to the Scottish cultural sector http://www.getambition.com
About Culture Sparks
Culture Sparks is the intelligence and innovation partnership for the cultural sector. Creative organisations across Scotland work with us because we unlock innovation, encourage experimentation, promote collaboration and make knowledge about people as audiences, visitors, producers, participants and creators real. www.culturesparks.co.uk
About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the national lead and development agency for the arts, screen and creative industries. www.creativescotland.com
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Culture Sparks. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Dianne Greig
Phone: 0141 248 6864
Email: dianne@culturesparks.co.uk
Website: http://www.getambition.com
