From social media to songwriting, or learning how to market yourself to navigating Hollywood, a variety of topics were discussed during Saturday’s 2019 Art Symposium that helps creators promote their work.
In breakout sessions and panels held throughout the day, three topics were prevalent: filmmaking, music and visual artistry.
“We have a variety of panels for each of those disciplines and then we have a few programs for everybody,” said Jeff Barber, supervisor of the arts for the city of Santa Clarita. “We really wanted to focus on providing professional development opportunities for musicians, filmmakers and creatives in town.”
The event was put on by the city as an annual free service to the community with a full day’s itinerary of events and sessions aspiring and working artists could attend.
Some topics involved practicing one’s pitch, or “elevator speech,” about the art form they’re about. Another included how to use various tools, including social media to allow oneself to become their own advocate online. In total, there were five different sessions covering a multitude of projects.
Laura Ebersold, a local oil painter, was in attendance at the symposium, and she said the topics she was most interested in learning about during the day was not only improving the way in which she pitched her paintings of landscapes, but also how she could market herself better through social media.
“When people ask me what I do, I’m still sort of like ‘blah, blah, blah,’” said Ebersold. “It’s kind of all over the place, so I’m learning how to perfect my elevator pitch, because you’ve got to be able to be able to hit the main point.”
In addition to learning about the “perfect pitch,” Ebersold said she wanted to also learn how to use social media effectively enough that she can draw people to her art and website.
“Pretty much every panel has probably 100 years of experience between all the panelists and the moderator with that subject,” said Barber. “You can really learn a lot in a one-hour session.”
Barber said the city plans on bringing the event back for next year and encourages residents to learn more about the symposium and other events held by Santa Clarita Arts.
For more information about upcoming events, visit santaclaritaarts.com.
