Media-Equal Arts Marketing Yourself

In the performing arts, your work is only part of the story. Programmers, funders, employers and audiences also need to know who you are and what you offer. For many women, that’s the uncomfortable part. The Equal Arts units describe a sector where women often work behind the scenes while credit flows elsewhere. Marketing yourself is how you make your work and leadership visible.

Start with your story

Before you post anything, get clear on three things: what you do, who it’s for and what makes your approach yours. Write it in two or three sentences. Use it as the core of your bio, website, social profiles and conversations. Unit 1 asks what your own leadership voice might look and sound like, and this is where it begins.

Show your work, including the invisible parts

Producing, organising and administrating are leadership, but they rarely appear in a programme. Make them visible:

• Share projects you’ve delivered, with specifics such as budgets managed, countries toured and people coordinated
• Credit collaborators, and ask to be credited in return
• Post behind-the-scenes content that shows how the work gets made

Choose your channels

You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick two or three:

• LinkedIn for professional credibility, funders and employers
• Instagram for visual work, rehearsals and performances
• A simple website or digital portfolio as your home base, with a short bio, highlights, a showreel and contact details
• Newsletter to build a direct line to your audience

Use the media

Local radio, online channels and livestreams can reach audiences you wouldn’t otherwise find. Equal Arts’ own webinar series on dance, theatre and the media closed with a livestreamed panel discussion broadcast across radio, YouTube and social media. Offer interviews, pitch your story to local outlets and say yes to panels and live events.

Be consistent, and be kind to yourself

Post regularly, even if only once a week, and keep your tone and visuals recognisable. Don’t compare your reach to anyone else’s. Marketing yourself isn’t boasting. It’s making sure the right people can find you.

Keep learning

The free Certificate in Performing Arts Leadership includes a unit on digital confidence, covering tools, foresight and everyday equality, and the Digital Portfolio shows real practices you can adapt. Both are at equalarts.eu. 🎭