Press Release First Draft - thoughts?

[Brea]

Hi Everyone,

Raymond Gilliar has created a first draft of the BOS Press Release for
everyone to
review. Please look it over and let us know if you notice anything
that needs to be corrected or have suggestions. The areas where
information still needs to
be clarified are highlighted in red on the document. It seems there is
still some missing info so if everyone can put their heads together
and send any relevant info along, that would be super!

[Brea]

Forgot to mention - you can find the document under "Files" - titled
BOS_PR.

[Todd]

Hello all. I think it may be a good idea for us to try and put a more
newsworthy "spin" on this press release. The first idea that pops
into my head is of course.... the recession. Here are some brainstorms
I had:

------------------

Recession-Proof Art Scene

Bushwick art scene unhindered by recession

Bushwick art scene still booming despite recession

3rd annual Bushwick Open Studios bigger than ever despite recession

"While the economy may not be booming at the moment, take a trip to
Bushwick, Brooklyn, and you will find a booming art scene. This
year's Bushwick Open Studios & Arts Festival, the third of it's kind,
is set to be bigger than ever... etc" (obviously not written well,
more of an idea)

-------------------

Can anyone think of any other possible newsworthy spins to put on the
press release? Does anyone else think this is a good idea?

-Todd

[Brea]

Todd - I completely agree with you about emphasizing the boom of the
arts scene in Bushwick, and specific news-worthy tidbits. I'm
wondering if we should cull positive reviews of exhibitions and music
events that have taken place in Bushwick recently (check with local
galleries and venues to see if they have garnered reviews with any of
the big name media outlets). This way, we could say "Bushwick
galleries, artists, etc have recently received positive press from the
NYT's, Village Voice, etc.." and might draw interest from a broader
scope of people in NY. The emphasis on a DIY scene in light of the
recession is also a great idea.

[Steve Weintraub]

Hi, I just wanted to post some quick thoughts while I was at work,
which will be followed up by more extensive notes later tonight.

I think this is a TERRIFIC first draft!!! A absolutely love how the
stress was placed on the collaborative nature of the festival and the
organization.

There are some places that need to be ironed out and made less
repetitive and I think perhaps the order of some of the paragraphs
need to be moved around. Also, when introducing the Benefit
paragraph, I would say something like, "To get a sneak peek of BOS,
Arts in Bushwick will be holding a Benefit at...." and perhaps it
could be moved closer to the top, since its in two weeks--yikes!

I agree that there needs to be some stronger language at the front
that announces the festival, however, I strongly disagree about adding
a News Spin to the press release. Our festival is not a
sensationalist event and does not depend on the economy--and,
additionally, I don't want to follow the current art world trend of
marketing everything under the guise of "recession" this and
"recession" that. Maybe talking about the turnouts for the past few
festivals as an opener, or stating how we are now firmly
established.

It may help to bolster the press release with the Washington Post
review, or other notable reviews that place Arts in Bushwick" as the
center of the arts scene in Bushwick! This may be a good opener for
the beginning of the press release--we certainly have enough positive
press at this point to cite.

I think we may also need to include a reference to CAPITAL B, as we
are core partners and they depend on our events as one way they
fulfill their grant mandates.

Again, fantastic job and more comments, or rather, better comments to
follow.

Steve

[Steve Weintraub]

here's the washington post article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111401622.html

We can also dig up tons of reviews from our other festivals (Courier,
Greenpoint Gazette, BushwickBK,) and other press about the
neighborhood, (WNYC, NYtimes, NyMag). Let me know if you want them,
or you would rather just allude to them.

Also, I don't know if it is helpful, but you could mention our
presence on the Brooklyn Museum of Art's new Collector's Panel--to
allude to how Arts in Bushwick is become more widely recognized and
how we were specifically selected to bring a unique voice to the art
world???

Steve

[Ali]

I think there are multiple panel discussions. Laura B, you were going
to send me that info but I forgot to remind you.

Are there actually historical walking tours and bike tours happening?

And there is no official opening event, correct? Maybe we could just
say BOS kicks off with a number of registered events on June 5th - if
anyone has actually registered an event for that night?

Also, I think the studios are open from 12-7pm, not 11-7.

You can put me on as the media contact if you want. Unless someone
else has a burning desire to be contacted about this stuff.

Lastly, we should try to edit down to just one page. Anyone know if
there is a page header we can use? Design team?

Ali

[Chloe]

Hey all,

I agree, this is a good first draft -- I'm inclined to make it
punchier and to reference the current global state/economic climate,
but I don't think it exactly needs a hook. Maybe just one line to
indicate that we're as vibrant as ever and have received a tremendous
amount of support despite the declining economy.

In terms of info about the cabaret -- here's my edit:

"On Saturday night, AIB is producing a High Society Cabaret at Starr
Space, which will showcase the variety of performance in Bushwick."

Responses to others -- Steve, I don't think this is the right venue to
mention the collector's panel. If you want to release another press
statement about that, we can talk about it with everyone.

I agree with citing other press, but feel that we should focus on the
"big things" -- i.e. Washington Post, Time Out NY, etc. rather than
BushwickBK.com or the various Brooklyn local papers. Since we would
need at most one mention, this shouldn't curtail the initial idea too
much.

Referencing DIY is definitely a good idea, but not at the risk of
undermining our (increasing) professionalism.

I'm excited to see a second draft.

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back! Things are nuts where I live.

C.

[Chloe Bass]

Oh, by the way -- there isn't a header available, but there is an Arts in Bushwick letterhead that we have. There may also be a letterhead specific to Bushwick Open Studios, but I'm less certain about that. Someone from design last year should look into that, or the design team should check with Laura Cline.

--
Chloë Bass
chloe....@gmail.com

[Laura Braslow]

I definitely have some stuff to add/contribute, will be in a place to do that in a few hours.  More info from me later this eve.

L

--
Laura Braslow
Arts In Bushwick
917-771-9683
Lau...@ArtsInBushwick.org
www.ArtsInBushwick.org

[Laura Braslow]

Sorry all, but the document on the google groups is coming up corrupted for some reason when I try to open it.  Could someone send me the text, or just post it as a page on the google group?  Thx!

L

[Todd]

Adding a spin to a press release is done to give it more of a chance
of actually being published. Any good press release should have some
kind of spin. This gives publications more incentive to publish it
over the hundreds of other press releases they are receiving. And it
also creates interest to readers who aren't necessarily into the art
scene.

If anyone notices a "current art world trend of marketing everything
under the guise of recession," that is because those are the press
releases that are being picked up and actually published. The whole
point of a press release, is to make it as much like a real article as
possible. Giving it a spin about the recession is nothing more than a
title change and tweaking the lead paragraph. It in no way makes our
event a "sensationalist event."

-Todd

[Amy Lucker]

I agree with Todd. There is nothing wrong with making our press release timely and attractive to those who might publish it. Nor does acknowledging the general economic environment make the event any less weighty or arts-oriented. If there is no hook, no one will post it. And if no one posts it, no one sees it. etc. etc.
 
Amy
 
> Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 06:42:58 -0700
> Subject: [AIB] Re: Press Release First Draft - thoughts?
> From: todd...@gmail.com
> To: artsinb...@googlegroups.com

[Brea]

Laura - I just added the first draft to pages so that you can view it.
Raymond says he's joining this group today and will get working on a
new draft of the press release later this evening. I agree with giving
the press release a spin, and don't think a line or 2 about the
recession and how AiB fits into that can hurt. I think it's an
exciting time for grassroots organizations like this, and critics like
Jerry Saltz have written a lot about that and are very excited about
artists banding together, creating community, and forging a new path.
So I think it's definitely pertinent. Also, I agree with Chloe that we
should stick to mentioning just a couple past mentions in the media,
and to stick to the big ones. And say all of this about the press
mentions and how AiB fits into the new model for the arts in the first
part of the text. We want to get published, and this is the best way
to do it.

I'm thinking that Raymond should craft a 2nd release tonight, and then
maybe after that there should be a quick small meeting where he can
change things directly to the document with everyone there - like the
little details about events and wording. That might be more efficient
than using google groups the whole way, especially since the press
release is so crucial in terms of promotion.

One last thing - where can I read the Time Out Press, or any other
positive press about the Bushwick arts scene? Does anyone have a scan
of it they can post?

We're getting there!
b.

On May 11, 10:58 am, Amy Lucker <amyluc...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I agree with Todd. There is nothing wrong with making our press release timely and attractive to those who might publish it. Nor does acknowledging the general economic environment make the event any less weighty or arts-oriented. If there is no hook, no one will post it. And if no one posts it, no one sees it. etc. etc.
>
> Amy
>
>
>
> > Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 06:42:58 -0700
> > Subject: [AIB] Re: Press Release First Draft - thoughts?

> > From: toddow...@gmail.com

> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits.http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_...

[Steve Weintraub]

Here's some updated information regarding the AIB Benefit:

Event: ARTS IN BUSHWICK BENEFIT
Title: BOS PREVIEW AND ART SALE Thursday, May 21
When: Thursday, May 21 from 7:30 - 10:00pm
Where: LUMENHOUSE, 47 Beaver Street at Park, Bushwick,
NY, 11206.

More info:
The benefit will feature donated works by artists participating in the
upcoming Bushwick Open Studios Festival. All work will be for sale for
$50 - $200. This is a cash and carry event, as works will be sold
right off the walls.

Please make sure to call the benefit an Art Sale--none of the works
will be auctioned!

Thanks,
Steve

[mera...@gmail.com]

Hi everyone! Raymond here. Thanks for all the great feedback on the
1st draft of the press release. I've made revisions based on your
comments and posted the 2nd draft in google pages. Please take a look
and send any and all further feedback. There are a few outstanding
dates and details that need confirming, so if you've got the answer
shout it out.

Thanks /// Raymond

[Laura Braslow]

OK!  I have reviewed the press release, looks like a great start!  Generally agree with all of the comments so far.  Here are some additional:

- General Open Studio hours are 12-7, not 11-7
- Add that there are over 200 registered artist studios, groups shows and events, in over 125 separate locations.
- Change "Bed-Stuy" to "Bedford-Stuyvesant"
- Change Ad Hoc to Ad Hoc Art
- There is no official kickoff event
- There are no walking tours or bike tours. 

- I do think that the last paragraph needs significant edits and additional info:

Since its inception, Arts in Bushwick has taken steps to connect the arts community to the Bushwick community at large, and to address issues of sustainability and neighborhood change.  In this tradition, BOS 2009 will feature a moderated panel discussion about issues of sustainability, displacement and neighborhood change, including community activists, members of the arts community, and elected officials (3pm Saturday at the Bushwick branch of the Brooklyn Public Library).  The panel will be followed by an open discussion on these issues at (5pm at Lumenhouse). This panel is part of an ongoing series that began during BOS 2007. All are invited to come, listen and join the discussion. AIB will cap the Bushwick Open Studios festivities with the third annual Bushwick Open Studios Cabaret on Sunday, June 6th (doors at 7:30, Starr Space).

[Ali]

Yay! I think this is great. However, I think it is an outright lie to
say that Bushwick artists are not suffering from the recession. I know
I certainly am! Personally I don't think a recession-related spin is
such a great idea, but if everyone else wants it that's fine, but only
as long as its actually the truth.

Content aside, we need to start thinking about sending this thing out.
Email is easy enough but we were talking about physically mailing
press packets to some critics and publications, in which case we need
to decide what else to include in the packets, get stuff printed,
envelopes stuffed and stamped, ideally by Friday. It would be great to
get some volunteers to actually compile the packets and make a trip to
the post office as their 3 hours, but it may be too late notice for
most people.

The press packets could be a good way to incorporate press for other
festivals or about the neighbourhood without having to work it into
the actual press release, which I think should not be longer than it
already is. Obviously it would be great to include the map and
postcards but those won't be printed yet.

Probably just an AIB letterhead is fine, it doesn't necessarily have
to be a BOS one, and I doubt anyone has the time to throw one
together. Can the letterhead be uploaded to the Files page?

Lastly, please change my email address on the press release to
a...@artsinbushwick.org or pr...@artsinbushwick.org

Ali

[Amy Lucker]

did the cabaret change from Saturday to Sunday? Quite possible, and I'm just out of it, but please check before sending.

thanks,
Amy

---

Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 00:18:27 -0400

Subject: [AIB] Re: Press Release First Draft - thoughts?

From: laura....@gmail.com
To: artsinb...@googlegroups.com

---

Hotmail® goes with you. Get it on your BlackBerry or iPhone.

[mera...@gmail.com]

Hi everybody,

I've modified the press release to reflect the more recent comments
and posted it to google papers as Draft 3. I've altered the rosier
picture of the recession, but kept it positive. Does it work? Let me
know. Outside that, there are a few remaining confirmations that need
to be addressed. They are (and they are in red on the document):

1. will there be an unveiling party on Sunday June 7th
2. when is the cabaret, saturday or sunday
3. is the music marathon at Goodbye Blue Monday happening (sat, june
6th)

Thanks again for the input everyone!

// Raymond

On May 12, 9:39 am, Amy Lucker <amyluc...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> did the cabaret change from Saturday to Sunday? Quite possible, and I'm just out of it, but please check before sending.
>
> thanks,
> Amy
>

> Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 00:18:27 -0400
> Subject: [AIB] Re: Press Release First Draft - thoughts?

> From: laura.bras...@gmail.com

> To: artsinb...@googlegroups.com
>
> OK!  I have reviewed the press release, looks like a great start!  Generally agree with all of the comments so far.  Here are some additional:
>
> - General Open Studio hours are 12-7, not 11-7
> - Add that there are over 200 registered artist studios, groups shows and events, in over 125 separate locations.
>
> - Change "Bed-Stuy" to "Bedford-Stuyvesant"
> - Change Ad Hoc to Ad Hoc Art
> - There is no official kickoff event
> - There are no walking tours or bike tours.  
>
> - I do think that the last paragraph needs significant edits and additional info:
>
> Since its inception, Arts in Bushwick has taken steps to connect
> the arts community to the Bushwick community at large, and to address issues of sustainability and neighborhood change.  In this tradition, BOS 2009 will feature a
> moderated panel discussion about issues of sustainability,
> displacement and neighborhood change, including community activists, members of the arts community, and elected officials (3pm Saturday at the Bushwick branch of the Brooklyn Public Library).  The panel will be followed by an open discussion on these issues at (5pm at Lumenhouse).
> This panel is part of an ongoing series that began during BOS 2007. All
> are invited to come, listen and join the discussion. AIB will cap the
> Bushwick Open Studios festivities with the third annual Bushwick Open Studios Cabaret on Sunday,
> June 6th (doors at 7:30, Starr Space).
>

> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail® goes with you.http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Mobile?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_T...

[Laura Braslow]

Draft 3 looks great!  Some additional info, and just a few nits:

I don't know what an "unveiling party" would be, but there definitely is no such thing on Sunday the 7th.

Cabaret is Saturday June 6th.

Music at Goodbye Blue Monday is all day, both Saturday and Sunday (June 6th and 7th)

1. BOS actually has 226 registered artists, group shows and events, and this will probably increase somewhat with web-only registrations.  So, definitely say "more than 200" in the first paragraph.

2. I think the language about the recession is really good in this version, although I am a little wary of the phrase "recession-proof"....

3. I would say artists' studios will generally be open from 12-7 saturday and sunday - there is actually a lot of variation in open studio hours, although these are the "standard" hours.

4. Is the benefit starting at 7:20 or 7:30?

5. In the third paragraph, the sentence that starts "then before the studios open" is a bit awkward... maybe punch that up, something like "The weekend of BOS begins on Friday night with a number of art openings and other events"

6. It looks like my edits did not make it into the paragraph on diversity - PLEASE take out the sentence "In reality, it is one community" - this sentence is absolutely not in line with our organizing or messaging on the community end of things.

[mera...@gmail.com]

Ok, I've posted a 4th draft in Google Pages. I deleted the unveiling
party info, left the Cabaret as is, added the day of music to
GBMonday, changed it to read "over 225 artists" etc (let me know if
you want the language different here).

As for the "recession-proof", I was comfortable with it because it
only refers to enthusiasm and productivity, which are not economic. If
people want it out I can change it though, so let me know.

I now say that most studios will be open from 12-7, the standard
hours. Should a line be added that visitors should check on specific
studios to make sure? If so, where would they do that?

I've made your other two edits in the latest draft.

Does anyone know when the benefit starts?

Thanks! /// Raymond

On May 12, 12:16 pm, Laura Braslow <laura.bras...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Draft 3 looks great!  Some additional info, and just a few nits:
>
> I don't know what an "unveiling party" would be, but there definitely is no
> such thing on Sunday the 7th.
>
> Cabaret is Saturday June 6th.
>
> Music at Goodbye Blue Monday is all day, both Saturday and Sunday (June 6th
> and 7th)
>
> 1. BOS actually has 226 registered artists, group shows and events, and this
> will probably increase somewhat with web-only registrations.  So, definitely
> say "more than 200" in the first paragraph.
>
> 2. I think the language about the recession is really good in this version,
> although I am a little wary of the phrase "recession-proof"....
>
> 3. I would say artists' studios will generally be open from 12-7 saturday
> and sunday - there is actually a lot of variation in open studio hours,
> although these are the "standard" hours.
>
> 4. Is the benefit starting at 7:20 or 7:30?
>
> 5. In the third paragraph, the sentence that starts "then before the studios
> open" is a bit awkward... maybe punch that up, something like "The weekend
> of BOS begins on Friday night with a number of art openings and other
> events"
>
> 6. It looks like my edits did not make it into the paragraph on diversity -
> PLEASE take out the sentence "In reality, it is one community" - this
> sentence is absolutely not in line with our organizing or messaging on the
> community end of things.
>

> On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 11:20 AM, meraym...@gmail.com
> <meraym...@gmail.com>wrote:

[Laura Braslow]

I agree with the changes, and with your take on the recession thing.  I would add that visitors should check the program or the web listings for hours for individual studios and event times.  Per Steve's last email, the benefit starts at 7:30.

If we can finalize this today, I'll include the press release in the eblast!

L

[mera...@gmail.com]

Great! I've added the part about checking web listings, and corrected
the Benefit start time.

Home stretch! /// Raymond

On May 12, 2:41 pm, Laura Braslow <laura.bras...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I agree with the changes, and with your take on the recession thing.  I
> would add that visitors should check the program or the web listings for
> hours for individual studios and event times.  Per Steve's last email, the
> benefit starts at 7:30.
>
> If we can finalize this today, I'll include the press release in the eblast!
>
> L
>

[mera...@gmail.com]

And FYI this latest version is now in Google pages as Press Release
Draft 4. Thanks! // R

On May 12, 2:41 pm, Laura Braslow <laura.bras...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I agree with the changes, and with your take on the recession thing.  I
> would add that visitors should check the program or the web listings for
> hours for individual studios and event times.  Per Steve's last email, the
> benefit starts at 7:30.
>
> If we can finalize this today, I'll include the press release in the eblast!
>
> L
>

[mera...@gmail.com]

Hello everyone! FYI the latest and greatest draft of the press release
is up in google pages, titled "Press Release, Draft 6(7)".
Thanks! /// Raymond

[Steve Weintraub]

I'm with Ali when it comes to including language about the
"recession." To say that the neighborhood is "recession-proof" is a
huge fallacy. I think we need to maintain an upbeat tone and talk
about how this is a great time for grassroots action and
collaboration--by the way, where is all the original language about
collaboration that was in the 1st draft? I think that deserves
honorable mention somewhere since its the root of how these festivals
are getting put together. Back to recession, if a news agency or
listing wants to draw the conclusion that we are recession proof--so
be it, but I don't think its our role to make such a wide claim. Many
of our collaborators and partners have been effected by the
recession.

I will try and make some changes to the draft today, but would rather
we not send the press release out until the meeting.

S

On May 12, 3:01 pm, "meraym...@gmail.com" <meraym...@gmail.com> wrote:

[raymond gilliar]

Hi Steve, I agree with you about saying that Bushwick is recession-proof. I worded it to say that the productivity and enthusiasm, etc, of the artists of Bushwick is recession-proof, meaning that while they are economically affected they soldier on. Though since there's been two questionings of it so far, maybe I should take it out. 

I'll try to put the collaborative language back in as it was in the first draft. 

[Laura Cline]

I think the letterhead is on the design resources page, just download from there. 

Or, feel free to make an updated one or just use the logo. I think the old letterhead was the mission statement anyway, so maybe you don't want to use it

Laura Cline