Social media has become an essential tool for artists and musicians to share their work.
That’s why the City of Nanaimo’s Culture and Heritage department has turned to social media in an effort to promote the arts and culture activities happening within the city.
Culture and Heritage coordinator Chris Barfoot says using social media allows the department to engage the community in a new way.
“We are really happy with the response that we have been getting,” Barfoot said.
Since May, the department has been using Instagram as a means to reach a different segment of the population. The department’s social media use is all part of their cultural plan, which was adopted last year.
“We are really excited with the way that it is going and the growth that we are getting,” Barfoot said.
By using social media to promote the temporary public art program and upcoming events, the department is getting a better understanding of what community likes and dislikes.
“It is a really good tool for public art. We will post a picture of public art and we’ll get a sense of how people feel about it,” Barfoot said.
In addition to the promotion of arts and culture, the department has been sharing historical photos of Nanaimo.
“Heritage is a large piece of the component in what we do, which is a really hard to engage the public in,” Barfoot said. “By sharing some old photos and historical photos of Nanaimo, which we receive through the community archives, we are able to engage the public on the history and the story of Nanaimo, which is really good.”
The City of Nanaimos Culture and Heritage department can be followed on Instagram at CultureandHeritage or by visiting www.instagram.com/cultureandheritage. arts@nanaimobulletin.comTwitter: @npescod
To see an example of the department's Instagram feed, please scroll down.