DIY!!!

One thing I'm surprised that I love doing is helping people with their arts community questions. (Why so surprised, Kelly? I don't know. I'm introverted not introspective! :P) Mayhaps it's the thrill of digging for information, using my smarts to piece together a whackamole game [1] of info or contacting and talking to new people. I had to do quite a bit of research to come up with my last post and Brampton's open. Perhaps the spirit of DIY (Do it Yourself) is not as dead as I thought. People out there are getting it done and my thoughts have been re-ignited by the self-sufficient acronym and staple of punk subculture. Is there something you wish Brampton had in the way of arts entertainment and community? Stop wishing. Start doing!

What I didn't write about was another young man's initiative to put together a Brampton Indie Music Festival, asking me where to begin. I've decided to leave an extremely mini version of the tips I gave him on handling such a feat that could easily be used by anyone to put together any event.

1. Start with WHY and WHAT. Get a clear idea in your head of what it is you intend to do and the goals you want to accomplish whether it's fundraising, fostering community, promotions, awareness, etc. If you can't figure that out try beginning with what you don't want and it might become clearer. Contact those who have experience setting up similar events and see if they’re willing to advise from past experiences. A smaller but still significant WHAT to consider is what you need. Do you need a sound system? How much will it cost? Will your venue supply one? Will they supply the sound guy with one?
2. Once that's done, the real fun begins. Start with WHEN because you're going to need to book dates for venues (sometimes WHEN and WHERE work together) and a stop date for community involvement/applicants. Decide/estimate how long your event will be. Research other events around your time that could divide your audience
3. Location, location, location! WHERE will you hold your event. Consider the audience and previous events/shows at the your possible venue. Is it a good fit? Can you promote at nearby businesses?
4. WHO: Not just who is performing or displaying their work but WHO is working for you. VOLUNTEERS. Depending on how big your event is, you will need dependable, have-your-back help.
5. Never ever forget COST though: how much will things be. Keep a running tally and start to put together a budget. You might need community help through sponsors or charging attendees. Don't forget to give them proper accolades for doing so, whether it's through advertising their name on a banner and/or flyers, or spoken thanks your event.
6. Last (you thought I was done but I was not!) but certainly not least is the HOW. Our site has a list of media for anyone to use to get word out on events they're planning and of course you know about Facebook, MySpace and Twitter as promotional devices but also try the more obscure or local websites to get things abuzzing (NOW, the City of Brampton website, Snap Brampton, Brampton Guardian, etc.). Don't forget the power of in person meetings. Get out there, promote and talk up your audience.

Hopefully this was a helpful outline, peeps. Comments, questions, suggestions? Hit me up: kelly@artsbrampton.ca.

1. A whackamole game as in every time you think I'm done I pop back up with new info.