Major Social Networking Seminar to be held the North West
Strabane’s award winning Alley Theatre has announced this week that a major educational arts seminar is to set to take place at the intimate venue, in association with BT and NWIPP. Entitled “Like – Building Digital Networks For The Arts”, this groundbreaking North West event will be free to attend for North West students and people working within the Arts Industry.
It is anticipated over 250 students and local artists will benefit from this conference, which will offer various social media workshops offered by Derry’s Nerve Centre and the opportunity to hear leading social media commentators. Throughout the day participants will explore how individuals, whether from an arts or business background can develop a serious and profitable presence via various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and My Space.
John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager stated “We have invited students from across Tyrone to take part in this interactive seminar. Students will be able to learn more about new developments in social media and new skills. Various workshops will be on offer from, how to set up a podcast, to video and movie editing, designing publicity material for events and business, and animation and social networking. We also have a selection of top guest speakers throughout the day including Andy Ferris from the top Northern Ireland record label Small Town American Records, and Mark Nagurski, the newly appointed Digital Champion for Derry and IT commentator.”
“On the day the seminar will host a special celebrity guest host, who will share their secrets about using social networks in their career. We will also have guest speakers from our partners, BT and NWIPP, who will be sharing with the participants information on how new advances online are changing the way individuals are doing business, and what they expect to see in the future in terms of online communications.”
The Alley Theatre will be hosting this major conference due to a REACH funding award from Arts and Business NI, an organisation which develops and supports business involvement in the Arts. Last years Sounds Like Summer Festival, supported by BT and NWIPP was a major event in the North West, and in recognition for this successful event and partnership, funding has been provided to run this exciting event.
“People are demanding more from the internet as they spend more time on line, whether you’re talking music, videos, websites, blogs or downloads, in our ever increasing digital world, online is the place to be” stated Peter Morris, Consumer Director BT. “As one of the leading providers of superfast broadband we are currently rolling out BT Infinity, our fibre optic technology, across Northern Ireland providing users with an even greater online interactive experience, and all at the speed of light. It is through events such as ‘Like’ that encourage the use of online skills and we are therefore delighted to provide support for this innovative event.”
Beverly Coomber from Arts and Business NI commented ““Arts & Business Northern Ireland is delighted to support The Alley Arts & Conference Centre to develop its creative partnerships with its local and national business sponsors through the Reach Investment Programme. Reach exists to encourage and inspire sustainable relationships, which work to maximize return on investment, meet business objectives and deliver tangible benefit through working with the arts. We would congratulate BT and NWIPP for working with the Alley on “Sounds Like Summer 20:10” and look forward to seeing the outcome of “Like”.
“For anyone considering a career in the creative industries, or perhaps even starting a business, an understanding of social media is already becoming a serious advantage and soon it’ll be a necessity. It’s great to see forward-thinking events like this working with students to equip them with the skills they’ll need to make a real impact.” Mark Nagurski, Digital Champion for Derry
John Kerr concluded “As well as local A- Level and GCSE students, we are also inviting local artists, musicians, actors, anybody within the arts fields to register free of charge to hear the guest speakers section. This part of the event starts on September 17th at 10 a.m. sharp. If you work in the arts industry or and want to learn more about developing your presence on the internet for free via social networking, contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 to register your details. If you are a teacher and wish your students to attend please contact the Alley’s Maketing Department on 028 71884760. Places are free, however limited so early booking is advisable.” For more information on “Like” visit http://www.alley-theatre.com/about-us/like or contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444.
