AFAI launches free artists’ guide to online
action. A new online toolkit, free to download, will guide and assist artists
and arts organisations in the effective use of online and social media tools.
The Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Toolkit was developed by the African Arts Institute (AFAI) in
partnership with the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT). It is available as a free
download via Google docs, from www.afai.org.za
(News section) and from www.act.org.za
(Development Programme section).
The toolkit provides an accessible online
resource for anyone in need of advice on how to use everyday IT tools as
effectively as possible. Its 45 pages cover new media platforms such as
websites and blogs and social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud
and Vimeo. It also addresses recently popularized initiatives such as ‘crowd
funding’.
“One of AFAI’s key roles is to provide
opportunities for education, training and mentorship to build human capital
required to grow and sustain the African creative sector. We recognize ICT as
an important driver to advance the sector. This toolkit will help artists and
arts organisations leverage the use of ICT to widely distribute, access and
develop the arts and increase their visibility and impact in their communities,”
says AFAI General Manager, Belisa Rodrigues.
ACT CEO, Pieter Jacobs, adds, “Without the
right knowledge and information, seemingly cost effective online marketing
efforts could be detrimental to an organisation's reputation. In order to truly
reap the benefits of an online presence and to maximize return on investment on
digital spend a well-planned marketing and communications strategy is vital.
The Arts Toolkit is a valuable source for practitioners in the process of
developing strategies for and maintaining online platforms.”
The Toolkit will be complemented by a
series of practical training courses being developed to elaborate on its
content in a practical environment. These courses will be presented by AFAI
during 2014, with support from the National Lottery Distribution Fund.
The toolkit is also being translated into
French, which will increase its reach on the continent.
“We are of very grateful for the support of
the Arts and Culture Trust, as well as our other partners who have made this
project possible,” says Rodrigues. Previous publications by AFAI include the Migrant Artists’ Handbook, also
available online and aimed at African diaspora artists living and working in
Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Handbook has proved an invaluable tool for
anyone entering the arts and culture industry.
Hard copy publications by the Institute
include Voices, a compilation of
testimonials: African artists living and working in Cape Town and surrounds;
and The African Writers’ Birthday
calendar, featuring the names, birthdays, countries of origin and most
important titles and achievements of close to 300 writers, poets, playwrights
and journalists from across the continent.
For more information on this publication or
the 2014 ICT courses, contact info@afai.org.za
or phone 021 465 9027.
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