GCAC Annual Report 2005: Marketing & Communications: Web Access

Marketing & Communications

The mission of GCAC's Department of Marketing and Communications is to encourage the practice and appreciation of the arts in Columbus through marketing and communications initiatives; to promotes GCAC programs, events and services; to develops external and internal communications materials; to manage media relations and website development; and to facilitate the dynamic partnership between the business and arts communities in greater Columbus.

Web Access

GCAC's link to the public remains a click away at www.ColumbusArts.com. Created and administered by GCAC, the site serves as the most comprehensive on-line guide to arts and culture in Columbus. The site averages over 9,000 unique visitors per month, and allows our local arts organizations to enter event, performance, and exhibition information directly to the Event Finder database.

Central Ohio arts events, performances and exhibitions listed on ColumbusArts.com are automatically entered into www.ArtsinOhio.com, a cooperative marketing partnership developed by the Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland Convention and Visitor Bureaus. The Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau (at www.experiencecolumbus.com) and the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism (at www.OhioTourism.com) also utilize the event listings entered into the ColumbusArts.com website.

This year, GCAC began a monthly "email blast" campaign targeting arts patrons who had visited ColumbusArts.com in the past with timely information about upcoming arts and cultural events linked to the Event Finder Database.

GCAC & ColumbusArts.com in partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art developed an electronic online sales system for their record-breaking exhibition Renoir's Women. Online tickets were available throughout the run of the exhibition (September 5, 2005 — January, 10 2006) and were purchased as a 'timed' ticket allowing the ticket buyer to pick the date and time of their visit, thus providing a hassle-free visitor experience. Over 5,000 tickets were purchased online for Renoir's Women.

GCAC & ColumbusArts.com are now in partnership with COSI to develop a similar online sales system that will allow visitors to the COSI and ColumbusArts.com web sites the opportunity to purchase online tickets for the Star Wars exhibition (June 3 — September 4, 2006). GCAC is also developing online ticketing for COSI's Extreme Screen theatre and an online membership purchasing system.

The Marketing & Communications department also manages GCAC's web site at www.gcac.org. The site provides our varied constituents with real-time access to information, applications, and technical assistance regarding programs and processes for each of GCAC's departments, along with links to staff for further feedback. Over the past year, GCAC has developed online registration of volunteers for the Columbus Arts Festival and in 2006 all artists’ applications will be done electronically. Additionally, GCAC’s publications and grant applications will also be developed for online ease and access.