T | M at Grantmakers in the Arts in San Francisco

Rory MacPherson and Tom Kaiden

T | M principals, Rory MacPherson and Mary Trudel, presented a preview of the national How Strong Is Your Social Net? survey of arts organizations’ digital communications practices and perceptions at the Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) 2011 Conference. Introduced by Cinda Holt, Business Development Specialist at the Montana Arts Council, the presenters were joined by Tom Kaiden, President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, to report on results and discuss interesting trends.

Rory MacPherson, Mary Trudel, Cinda Holt and Arlynn Fishbaugh

The presentation probed how groups can better communicate authentically with patrons and fans and create communities of interest. Tom discussed how the Alliance is supporting arts groups’ audience building efforts via social media. Cinda and colleague, Arlynn Fishbaugh, Executive Director of the Montana Arts Council discussed Montana arts groups’ technology constraints and struggles with social media and highlighted the growing use of mobile technology throughout the state to connect with younger arts enthusiasts.