Overview
As the world constantly grows and evolves, so too do its public relations strategies. PR is an ever-more-important part of the art world’s relation to its network: from artists, to community (be it IRL or on social media), to collectors, and more. This course explores a range of topics, from the basics of PR to its intersection with current media relations practices.
Topics Covered:
- The fundamentals of art PR and a review of the major media outlets
- Recent changes in PR practice including digital strategy and content (guest Cornell DeWitt, Managing Director of Bower Blue)
- Media relations and how to develop media contacts (guest Andy Cushman, Account Director Blue Medium)
- Issues and Crisis PR
- Framework for building a public relations strategy
Academic Profile
John Melick has more than twenty years of visual arts, travel, and publishing marketing and public relations expertise. John is the founder of Blue Medium Inc., a public relations company serving the visual arts and culture communities. Based in New York City, Blue Medium represents national and international art museums, cultural organizations, foundations, traveling exhibitions, arts associations, architecture and design studios and projects, corporations operating in the art and design fields, public and private sponsors of the visual arts, academic institutions in the visual arts and design, art fairs, and art galleries.
Prior to launching Blue Medium in 2000, he was a consultant at Fitz & Co, a visual arts public relations company in New York (October 1997-February 2000). Prior to his work at Fitz & Co, John was the Managing Director of Boom Communications, Inc. (1993-1997), a public relations and events company specializing in cultural tourism and the visual arts. John also developed a cultural tourism division at International Marketing and Representation (1990-1993).
In 1987, John received a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Sydney. In 1990, he earned a Master’s degree in Communications from Boston University. In 1996, HarperCollins Publishers commissioned John to write a travel book on Sydney, Australia, which was released in summer 1999. John currently serves as a Trustee of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and sits on the boards of the Esopus Foundation. John has also lectured on visual arts public relations at New York University, Christie’s Education, the New York State Council for the Arts, and the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.
Any Questions?
Click here to send us an email if you have a question regarding the course
