AAACF's support helps launch a new website for the Ann Arbor Art Center
Connecting more people than ever to the magic at the Ann Arbor Art Center . . . .
For over a century, the Ann Arbor Art Center has been sparking creativity for people of all ages and abilities. Each year, more than 4,500 students participate in studio art classes and over 200 children receive tuition grants for free courses. A gallery shop and monthly exhibits showcase the work of thousands of regional artists. And creative collaborations with the University of Michigan Museum of Art, Washtenaw Community College and local festivals offer additional opportunities to be inspired.
The third oldest art institution in Michigan, the Art Center celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009 by redesigning and reinvigorating its Liberty Street facility. That renovation set the stage for the next hundred years—creating an informal, versatile and welcoming space. Visible from the street, the new first floor studio beckons invitingly and encourages passers-by to wander in and explore all that the Art Center has to offer.
Launched in January of 2011 - with an AAACF grant and in-kind support from local designers, the Art Center's new website vastly improves communication, visibility and access. Within the first three months, the site’s interactive features and easy navigation have given more than 62,000 unique visitors new ways to connect to all that’s happening at the Art Center.
Executive Director Marsha Chamberlin is enthusiastic about the possibilities: “We can now reach more people and deliver more in-depth information that’s current and relevant. The real beauty of the site is its interconnectivity, which allows us to cross-promote various activities. Now a visitor who is interested in a class might also find an exhibit to explore. The new site has been very effective in letting visitors investigate all we have to offer.”
Already, the Art Center’s small staff has experienced major gains in efficiency with new ways to communicate and connect more people to program offerings, exhibits, and events. Online registration and new reporting capabilities are saving a tremendous amount of administrative time. Reaching a wider audience together with improved efficiencies promise to enhance the Art Center’s cash flow and support its long-term sustainability.
A fun disclaimer on the new wesbite site offers “fair warning” to visitors:
The Ann Arbor Art Center is not responsible if one minute of browsing turns into one hour of salivating over all the choices . . . and inspires (you) to quit your job and take art classes all day. It could happen. Consider yourself warned.
For more information, visit www.annarborartcenter.org.