DG Unlimited is a strategic umbrella organisation that represents the collective strengths of Dumfries and Galloway's creative sector and other key stakeholders.
A message to DGU Members from Matthew Shelley of Scottish Festival PR
It’s been heart-breaking talking to friends across the arts and cultural sector about the impact Covid-19 could have on their jobs, businesses, incomes and families.
Creative people make a vast contribution to our society and economy but are – even at the best of times – on low incomes and have little security. Right now they are enormously vulnerable.
As someone who works in PR and communications for arts and cultural events and festivals, many in Dumfries and Galloway, I’m being asked by clients if I have advice suggestions that can help them get through.
After talking to other professionals in my sector there seems to be a strong feeling that, wherever possible, businesses, organisations and individual artists and makers should try to maintain some sort of visible presence and activity. That will hopefully make rebuilding easier in the future.
A number of clients are moving quickly to increase what they do online – perhaps with virtual exhibitions and events via video. This could be very welcome to people in isolation, or off work, in the coming months.
If there’s one thing that is encouraging, it’s the huge amount of willingness people are showing to support one another. Something that’s vital as we need an infrastructure in place for when the future.
Matthew is happy to give artists and makers access to a free DIY media and communications pack on request. He is also offering free one-hour telephone consultations to five DGU members.
Contact us for more information comms.dgu@gmail.com
It’s been heart-breaking talking to friends across the arts and cultural sector about the impact Covid-19 could have on their jobs, businesses, incomes and families.
Creative people make a vast contribution to our society and economy but are – even at the best of times – on low incomes and have little security. Right now they are enormously vulnerable.
As someone who works in PR and communications for arts and cultural events and festivals, many in Dumfries and Galloway, I’m being asked by clients if I have advice suggestions that can help them get through.
After talking to other professionals in my sector there seems to be a strong feeling that, wherever possible, businesses, organisations and individual artists and makers should try to maintain some sort of visible presence and activity. That will hopefully make rebuilding easier in the future.
A number of clients are moving quickly to increase what they do online – perhaps with virtual exhibitions and events via video. This could be very welcome to people in isolation, or off work, in the coming months.
If there’s one thing that is encouraging, it’s the huge amount of willingness people are showing to support one another. Something that’s vital as we need an infrastructure in place for when the future.
Matthew is happy to give artists and makers access to a free DIY media and communications pack on request. He is also offering free one-hour telephone consultations to five DGU members.
Contact us for more information comms.dgu@gmail.com
Why become a DGU Member?
DGU has a growing membership of creative practitioners and supporters throughout Dumfries and Galloway and beyond. It is open to anyone with an interest in the arts in the region and is free.
Events and Networking
Attend events across the region, meet peers, attend training and receive support.
e.g. free entry to the annual conference, one to one meetings, our quarterly social events.
Influence
Contribute to discussions with local and national decision makers on arts policy and strategy.
e.g. Dumfries and Galloway Council, Creative Scotland, DGU.
Showcase
Show your work and raise your profile as a creative practitioner
e.g. members' profiles on our website, live performances and showreels presented to Creative Scotland.
Support
Advice and suggestions of other resources.
e.g. funding information, news and opps.
Attend events across the region, meet peers, attend training and receive support.
e.g. free entry to the annual conference, one to one meetings, our quarterly social events.
Influence
Contribute to discussions with local and national decision makers on arts policy and strategy.
e.g. Dumfries and Galloway Council, Creative Scotland, DGU.
Showcase
Show your work and raise your profile as a creative practitioner
e.g. members' profiles on our website, live performances and showreels presented to Creative Scotland.
Support
Advice and suggestions of other resources.
e.g. funding information, news and opps.
