Conference encourages Norfolk's artists to get

Added: 26/11/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

The Norfolk Arts Forum's annual winter conference takes place this Thursday (27 November) and this year centres around using digital technology to promote the arts and reach new audiences.

More than 100 artists and cultural organisations will gather at the conference at the John Innes Centre in Norwich to learn how they could make use of new and online technologies.

The morning session will feature keynote speakers:

· Taylor Nuttall, Director of Folly, one of the UK's leading digital arts organisations, who will talk about initiatives including an online youth club for 12 to 16-year-olds called digi-club, and

· Hannah Rudman, highly respected as an expert on the arts, culture and digital technology. She currently manages AmbITion, a £1.1m national pilot exploring the potential of IT and digital media to support the long-term sustainability of the arts and cultural sector.

The afternoon session offers two workshops for delegates: Online Marketing and Web Development Tools led by Arts Professional and Internet Marketing for Arts Organisations led by Arts and Media Training.

Mari Martin, Head of Arts at Norfolk County Council, said: “Increasingly, people expect arts and cultural information and opportunities to be available to them online, through mobile phones and podcasts. There is huge potential for Norfolk's arts sector to further maximise the use of digital technology in new and exciting ways.”

The Norfolk Arts Forum is administered and funded by Norfolk County Council's Norfolk Arts Service. Its network provides a voice for the arts in Norfolk, and offers over 500 organisations and individuals a valuable opportunity to network, exchange information, participate in local and regional consultations and debate topical arts-related issues.

Places at the winter conference have already been finalised but Norfolk Arts Forum events take place throughout the year and membership is free. For more information please visit www.norfolkartsforum.co.uk or contact Norfolk County Council's Arts Service on 01603 222941.