Museums and art galleries experienced a serious financial loss after the pandemic struck the world. With the economy closed and the pandemic causing fear in everyone’s hearts, leaders of these institutions can’t help but close their doors and brace themselves for what is to come. They lost their sources of revenue, which usually comes from private support, exhibition fees, events, and even sales commission for every artwork they sell. Since such businesses are closed, artists are also struggling to sell their artworks. How can they cope and survive the post-pandemic world?
Entering the Digital Landscape
As it turns out, digital engagement is one of the best ways to ensure museums won’t shut down for good. Businesses from different industries are taking advantage of the digital landscape to build brand awareness, boost conversions, and retain their clients. It is time that art galleries and museums start navigating the online world to stay relevant during the digital age.
This way, artists can continue sharing their art and talent to the world. Museums can continue helping artists sell original masterpieces and even fine art reproductions with the artist’s permission. Staying in business also allow such institutions to keep most if not all of their staff. Remember that our cultural history, students, communities, and the economy will, in one way or another, suffer if such institutions shut down for good.
How Museums and Art Galleries Can Take Their Business Online
Today’s technology makes it possible even for brick and mortar institutions to thrive mid and post-pandemic. The following are ways museums and art galleries can take advantage of the online world and boost digital engagement.
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Start with a professional website.
A professional website can make a difference, no matter your industry. As for museums and art galleries, they can use their website to engage with the public, showcase their artworks, and drive revenue. Note that pictures of the artworks and videos of the venue are not the only media you can use to drive traffic.
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Promote an archive.
The usual way to show the public what they can expect from your museum or art gallery is by creating an online archive showing your collection. Make sure to organize the archive accordingly to make it easier for your audience to appreciate your collections. Label each art and share interesting facts to pique the interest of your site visitors.
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Invest in virtual tours.
Virtual tours make it easy for people around the world to experience your art wherever and whenever. Some people think virtual tours already to satisfy one’s curiosity. They say this can only stop site visitors from visiting the museum since they already experienced what it is like to tour the place.
In reality, you can leave your audience awestruck with a virtual tour and leave more people wanting to visit your art gallery in person. You get to educate and entertain people from all walks of life and allow them to explore the place at their own pace. That makes it easier for people to enjoy a meaningful insight and plan their future visit to make the most out of the experience.
Usually, there is only a little information present for each art. You can include valuable information about each art, which is one thing people can’t enjoy real-life exhibitions. In virtual tours, you can add more fun facts aside from the essentials and treat your guests with a fun and informative tour.
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Showcase pre-recovered videos and live streams
Treat your audiences will valuable content by adding recorded videos of artist interviews. You can create a course where your subscribers can enroll so that they can hone their skills during the quarantine. If possible, schedule live streams and make sure your target audiences are notified when this will be to garner views and engagements digitally.
To encourage youngsters to take an interest in art, you can consider creating content to keep the kids happy and preoccupied. For one, you can opt to do simple art classes for kids. Who knows? You could be training the next world-class painter without even knowing it.
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Create unique social media campaigns
Have you seen the trending post by Shedd Aquarium? They posted a video showing their penguins and porcupines having a field trip inside the museum. They managed to rake several millions of views because of their unique social media campaign.
You, too, can use your creativity to increase your engagement on social media by investing in unique campaigns that will capture your target audiences’ attention. Don’t be afraid to let your humor shine and use social media as a way to entertain your audiences.
The world of art also took a massive hit after museums and art galleries had to shut their operations. The good news is, even such institutions can leverage the digital landscape to thrive, survive, and take the lead post-pandemic. Don’t wait for the pandemic to cripple your business before you take action. Know that during these unprecedented times, digital engagement can save your business even after the crisis.
