It has always been the case that being known and who you know are critical factors for success. This is especially the case in the arts and creative sectors during financially challenging times – as the aesthetic dimensions of culture and society step aside to allow dollars and cents to take front of stage. Now, artists and creative groups in North Shore City are embracing the power of online social networking to showcase their talents and build valuable connections. ShoreSpace is a unique local arts portal which enables its members to share information and build creative and business connections. It’s the first portal of its kind in New Zealand to unite all the arts and creative organisations in the local community and further a field. The joint initiative between North Shore City Council and Te Raki Paewhenua (the North Shore) arts community was launched in October 2008 and continues to grow in popularity. All sectors are invited to register at www.shorespace.org.nz; including visual, literary, performing and multi-dimensional arts and crafts, as well as technicians and other supporters of the North Shore’s evolving and growing creative industries sector. Residents and visitors to North Shore City can visit ShoreSpace to find out everything they need to know about local arts centres, news, reviews, events, local artists and works for sale. ShoreSpace visitors can also join a local arts and cultural organisation as a member, sign up for newsletters and information and build an itinerary of events to attend or things to do. Meanwhile, arts and creative industries practitioners can buy and sell works and equipment via the noticeboard, and create their own online profile, including examples of their work and video uploads.
Keen to know more or build your online profile? Visit www.shorespace.org.nz
Photo: Howard Williams. Artwork: Bruce Young.
