The performance of the Douglass High School band in the lobby of the
Contemporary Arts Center just before Congreso's performance was an
important event for Weaving the Web and the Douglass Community
Coalition. Witnessing the pride band members and their families felt,
and the attention and applause they received after work well done, gave
a vitally important public dimension to the cultural, political and
educational work going on behind the scenes.
A template for audience development campaigns for residencies was
developed that, while still in need of refinement, proved promising. It
included leafleting, presentations, articles, a discount ticket package,
school workshops, and artist meetings with community groups. The
participation of students in curtain raisers became another important
element of the template.
Using this basic template, the Weaving the Web task force elicited
considerable help from the Coalition: members distributed flyers to area
businesses and residencies and opportunities for promotional presentations
were provided by neighborhood associations, churches, and community
newsletters. Not surprisingly, word of mouth advertisement from
Coalition members proved to be the most effective strategy.
A discount ticket package (including a light dinner, transportation
and childcare during performances) was designed to eliminate all
obstacles that would prevent Douglass community parents from having an
enjoyable evening out. The dinner items were supplied through a
combination of donations and purchases. The venue provided arts
activities for the young children. A local church and Northstar Village secured transportation
(including transportation for student performers). Discounted tickets
were made available at the residencies, at coalition meetings and at
local schools, under the direction of Northstar Village staff.
It was learned that one month is not enough time to adequately develop
audiences for touring artist residencies.
