Lost, but now found: Getting lost in the woods in New Zealand while working as a forestry consultant made Loebner reevaluate his career, indirectly leading him to marketing. He went back to school and took positions at Young and Rubicam and Edelman before addressing inclusion and accessibility at digital marketing agency Designsensory. “I saw that trade publications for advertising and marketing weren’t speaking to the disability community in a way that went beyond, ‘Hey, here’s a tentpole ad in the Super Bowl that features someone with a disability,’” he told Raconteur last year.

Committing to change: Wunderman Thompson hired Loebner last year. He lauded the agency’s work with Unilever in creating a Degree deodorant that was easier to apply and handle by people with vision loss and upper torso disabilities. “If what is being concepted, developed and built isn’t inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible and sustainable, then whatever is launched into the world won’t reach as many people, may be inauthentic, unattainable, and won’t have the staying power to translate into success,” Loebner said at the time.

Starting at home: Earlier this year, Wunderman Thompson said it will use Level Access’ software to develop inclusive websites and mobile apps for its clients. “This new partnership will further us on our mission to build a better future for our people, our planet and our communities,” Loebner said. — Jason Notte

Read more about all of the agency leaders who are paving the way forward.

Image: Emilia Ramos / Supplied by International Center of Photography

MuseumNext delves into the world of user generated content with Anna Selle and Kim Cabrera from the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York. They explain how making art a participatory event can drive engagement, grow audiences and create rich content.

Starting in the summer of 2022, the International Center of Photography’s digital marketing team successfully launched and implemented three user-generated content campaigns to great effect. Through #ICPShareTheStreet, #HauntedICP, #ICPFaceToFace and most recently, #LoveAtICP, Instagram was utilised to showcase a range of contributions from photographers around the world.

Anna Selle, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at ICP, says, “We have a very broad and diverse audience of people on our social media channels – many of whom will likely never visit us in the Lower East Side. As part of our drive to engage those people we wanted to run campaigns that emphasised our role as a ‘center’ of photography and a place where photographers of all ages and levels of expertise are catered to.

“Social media is an obvious place to connect people from across different cultures and geographies, so the idea for our user generated campaign was to create something that tapped into our network.”

ICP already had some experience with this type of initiative. Having launched a campaign called “ICP From Anywhere” during the height of the pandemic to connect with audiences trapped at home, Anna and Digital Marketing Coordinator, Kim Cabrera, were confident that the project could have genuine impact.

Kim says, “I think we wanted to provide a dedicated space that could showcase work that might not be traditional exhibition material. There’s only a small percentage of photography that we can feature on-site at ICP. But we have a much greater ability to shine a light on other works online.”

Taking an iterative approach to user generated campaigns

As the owner of digital strategy, Anna first brought the idea for a user generated content campaign to the ICP team during its summer blockbuster exhibition: William Klein: YES. Anna says,

“I think this served as a solid pilot for the strategy. We leveraged an on-site exhibition that gained a lot of attention – in this case Willian Klein’s street photography – to get our social audience to share their own images.”

Kim adds, “It’s important to use a physical exhibition as a hook because it helps to spark interest and gather ideas. But it also serves to help us promote the exhibition and drive footfall among more local audiences. That’s where #ICPShareTheStreet came from.”

Image: Amy Touchette / Supplied by International Center of Photography

From this first experiment, the team have grown and developed the user generated content initiative, making it a recurring fixture in the institution’s social media calendar. Over time, additions such as competitions have been built into the strategy in order to maximise engagement, while the timings for campaigns have been refined to optimise promotional support for the on-site exhibition.

However, Anna notes, “To be honest we found that incentives such as winning tickets to the museum or being sent ICP swag weren’t the main drivers of engagement. They helped, of course, but it seems to us that the idea of users’ work being shared and amplified is more important.

“At this point in time, the core of the campaigns is really resharing content from ICP’s Instagram account, which has nearly 400,000 followers right now.”

Analysing the results

Speaking of social statistics, it’s been clear that these user generated content campaigns have a marked effect on the ICP’s social metrics. The team have seen the Instagram rate of audience growth increase 300% year-over-year since the start of the user-generated campaigns.

Campaigns also served to convert a healthy percentage of the online, social audience into exhibition visitors. Kim says, “The street photography campaign in particular was hugely impactful and saw our audience and engagement metrics shoot up.

“But just as important as the individual metrics is the insight it gives us. It helps us to establish what we should be focusing on in the future. Social media is so flexible and the data we get from campaigns is so immediate that we have the freedom to try new ideas. Not everything will work out but we can have the confidence to experiment a little bit because it’s easy to test and pivot all the time – even with a small marketing team.”

Anna adds, “It’s important to note that the user generated content isn’t a one-time thing. If we’ve shared content and built a campaign, we essentially have an archive of really impactful and interesting material that can be revisited in the future. Even though photos may not be part of our own collection, the nature of Instagram and other social media platforms enables us to share and support content from image makers more than once.”

Image: Bego Amaré / Supplied by International Center of Photography

In order to maximise reach and engagement, Anna says, that strategic boosting of posts was also important – particularly early in each campaign when the marketing team was trying to build interest.

“Using social media advertising is certainly a quick and cost-effective way to get the word out. We didn’t have a large budget for advertising, so this has been a great tool for us.”

Asked finally, for their advice to other museums looking to launch their own user-generated campaigns, Anna says, “The in-built tools of social media platforms like Instagram really make it easy to both drive interest in our exhibitions and also monitor that success. So, as part of our user generated campaigns, we’ve included links through to the exhibition pages on our website, which enables us to see how many link clicks and ticket sales are generated.

“These metrics are obviously just as relevant as audience size and engagement figures. In fact, they were imperative for our senior managers and our executive director to see.”

Kim adds, “I would add that it’s important to understand how you want to use social media when starting out with this kind of campaign. It’s crucial to consider how you want to promote awareness, be inclusive and work towards the institution’s broader goals. Social media is fun, it’s a little bit more casual, it’s a way to be nimbler but it’s also an institutional platform. We still always want to be aware of who or what we are amplifying when we engage with user-generated content.”

Find out more about how museums are utilising the latest strategies, technologies and tools to enhance the work they are doing for their audiences and communities with MuseumNext’s virtual conference series. More information here.

Special to The Banner-News

Southern Arkansas University has announced that 551 students earned a 3.5 GPA or higher for the spring 2023 semester and have been named to its Dean’s List.

Janie Barham is a senior Game, Animation, and Simulation Design major from Emerson, AR.

Anna Dooly is a sophomore Elementary Education (STEM) major from Emerson, AR.

Malli Dooly is a senior Psychology major with a minor in Animal Science from Emerson, AR.

Austin Evans is a senior Marketing (Media Option) major from Emerson, AR.

Karli Rabb is a junior Agriculture (Pre-Veterinary) major from Emerson, AR.

Blake Sanders is a junior Middle School Education major from Emerson, AR.

Cage Arnold is a sophomore Computer Science (Cyber Security and Privacy Option) major from Magnolia, AR.

Jameson Baker is a sophomore Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) major from Magnolia, AR.

Tylaa Beraud is a sophomore Chemistry (Forensic Science) major from Magnolia, AR.

Natalie Boyd is a junior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Magnolia, AR.

Azaria Broomfield is a senior Public Health major from Magnolia, AR.

Ja’Nicia Brown is a senior Social Work major from Magnolia, AR.

Jaden Bush is a sophomore Psychology major from Magnolia, AR.

Lauren Chambliss is a senior Pre-Health Professional Biochemistry major from Magnolia, AR.

Rodrick Coffman is a junior Computer Science major from Magnolia, AR.

Allison Coppersmith is a junior Management major with a minor in Finance from Magnolia, AR.

Shannon Coppersmith is a sophomore Studio Art major from Magnolia, AR.

Zoie Dixon is a junior Pre-Nursing major from Magnolia, AR.

Kenneth Ellis is a junior University Studies major from Magnolia, AR.

Nohelia Garcia De Los Santos is a senior Psychology major with a minor in Social Work from Magnolia, AR.

Noah Garland is a senior Computer Science major from Magnolia, AR.

Gabrielle Gee is a junior Pre-Nursing major from Magnolia, AR.

Dale Gray is a sophomore K-12 Physical Education and Health major from Magnolia, AR.

Maggie Gunnels is a senior Mass Media major from Magnolia, AR.

Jefferson Hagaman is a junior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Magnolia, AR.

Riley Hall is a sophomore Psychology major from Magnolia, AR.

Kelsey Hayes is a senior Biology major from Magnolia, AR.

Zachary Heathman is a junior Sport Management (Coaching Option) major with a minor in Finance from Magnolia, AR.

Jackson Heflin is a senior Music Education (Instrumental) major from Magnolia, AR.

Sa’riya Hildreth is a freshman Pre-Nursing major from Magnolia, AR.

Khang Ho is a senior Pre-Health Professional Biochemistry major from Magnolia, AR.

Soraya Iverson is a junior Pre-Art Therapy major from Magnolia, AR.

Korylynn Jennings is a junior Mass Media major from Magnolia, AR.

Brandon Johnson is a senior Information Systems major from Magnolia, AR.

Abbie Jolly is a senior Public Health major from Magnolia, AR.

David Lindsey is a senior Industrial Technology major from Magnolia, AR.

Maria Lopez is a sophomore Studio Art major from Magnolia, AR.

Shadiamond Love is a senior Public Health major from Magnolia, AR.

Rory Lowther is a sophomore Marketing (Media Option) major from Magnolia, AR.

Mukunda Mashburn is a junior Plant Science major from Magnolia, AR.

Caitlyn McCormack is a senior Wildlife and Conservation Biology major with a minor in General Business from Magnolia, AR.

Hunter McLaughlin is a senior Middle School Education major from Magnolia, AR.

Olivia Munn is a sophomore Elementary Education (STEM) major from Magnolia, AR.

Anwar Nahshal is a freshman Computer Science major from Magnolia, AR.

Riley Payne is a junior Pre-Health Biology major from Magnolia, AR.

Ruth Rivera is a sophomore Pre-Professional Exercise Science major from Magnolia, AR.

Reaves Rogers is a senior Animal Science major from Magnolia, AR.

Clemente Saenz is a junior Nursing major from Magnolia, AR.

Jason Schulz is a senior K-12 Physical Education and Health major from Magnolia, AR.

Sydney Scruggs is a senior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Magnolia, AR.

Jamar Sloan is a sophomore Mass Media major from Magnolia, AR.

Jonathan Stevens is a junior Information Systems major from Magnolia, AR.

Parker Tinnell is a senior University Studies major from Magnolia, AR.

Brayden Voss is a senior History major from Magnolia, AR.

Emma Walker is a senior Pre-Nursing major from Magnolia, AR.

Sara Westfall is a sophomore Pre-Nursing major from Magnolia, AR.

Carlin Whaley is a senior Mass Media major from Magnolia, AR.

Zachary Lout is a sophomore Pre-Professional Exercise Science major from McNeil, AR.

Gabriel Reyna Garcia is a sophomore Engineering major from McNeil, AR.

Jordan Sigala is a senior Engineering major from McNeil, AR.

Katherine Collier is a junior Pre-Nursing major from Stamps, AR.

Reagan Doster is a junior Computer Science major from Stamps, AR.

Brittany Hatter is a senior Interactive Media and Marketing major from Stamps, AR.

Shauna Mason is a senior Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice from Stamps, AR.

Logan Pierson is a senior Music Education (Instrumental) major from Stamps, AR.

Gillian Cauldwell is a senior University Studies major from Stephens, AR.

Clistie Ferrell is a senior Political Science major with a minor in Social Work from Stephens, AR.

Luke Impson is a sophomore Marketing (Media Option) major with a minor in Communications Design from Stephens, AR.

Magen West is a senior Graphic Design major with a minor in Digital Photography and Film from Stephens, AR.

Jordan Hall is a junior Middle School Education (STEM) major from Taylor, AR.

Shaylee Hoyle is a junior Engineering major from Taylor, AR.

Tanner Hoyle is a junior Engineering major from Taylor, AR.

Lenzie Langley is a senior Middle School Education major from Taylor, AR.

Kaylee Morehead is a senior Pre-Nursing major from Taylor, AR.

Taryn Franks is a senior Public Health major from Waldo, AR.

Jasmine Fuller is a sophomore Criminal Justice major from Waldo, AR.

Aaliyah Grant is a senior Information Systems major from Waldo, AR.

Jalisa Harris is a sophomore Pre-Nursing major from Waldo, AR.

Micheal Jones is a junior Graphic Design major from Waldo, AR.

Kimberly Saunders is a senior Middle School Education major from Waldo, AR.

Raediesha Tucker is a senior Musical Theatre major with a minor in Psychology from Waldo, AR.

Brendan Ybarra is a senior Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice from Waldo, AR.

Abigail Young is a senior Pre-Health Biology major with a minor in Music from Waldo, AR.

A total of 551 students were honored on this semester’s Dean’s List.

Southern Arkansas University provides students the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today.

To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

Soph Coe, an Oklahoma State University art history major, is the first to represent
OSU as a Princeton University Museum of Art intern this summer. 

Coe will participate in group discussions, activities and independent projects during
their eight-week assignment at the university.

“I am going to be working for Allie Wolf, manager of Wholesale and Retail Operations
at the museum, to do a project for the museum store,” said Coe, who explained that
their main project will be researching the Princeton Museum’s art collections and
finding a regional artist to create a collection that represents the art found in
the museum. 

“I feel extremely blessed to have received this opportunity and look forward to all
that I will learn while I am here,” Coe said. 

Dr. Christina Cruz Gonzalez, an art history professor in the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History, outlined how prestigious and coveted Coe’s program is. 

“Because of its collegiate location and link to the Ivy League institution, it is
a program that integrates both practical, curatorial components and rigorous academic
training,” Gonzalez said. “This is the kind of program that is a real game-changer
for every student contemplating a museum or curatorial career, but especially for
first-generation students and those belonging to groups that are unrepresented in
the museum profession and in the discipline or art history in general.”

With this being the first time OSU has had a graduate or undergraduate student accepted
into the program, Gonzalez emphasized the art department’s excitement surrounding
Coe’s achievement. 

“It is a real coup for us to have Soph there for eight weeks,” Gonzalez said. “We
are thrilled for them and can’t wait to hear about their experience when they return.”

Story By:
Jessica Floss, CAS graduate assistant | jfloss@okstate.edu

Looking for an evening of good music, tasty food and a little shopping, then check out downtown Meridian on Thursday with Night Market taking place at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center and Third Thursday being held in Dumont Plaza.

Night Market will run from 5-8 p.m. in the courtyard of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center, more commonly known as The MAX, which is located on Front Street. The market will bring together vendors from Earth’s Bounty farmer’s market and local artists, along with some spirited entertainment from local musician Daniel Houze.

Meanwhile, Third Thursday will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at Dumont Plaza, located at the corner of 22nd Avenue and Fifth Street, and will run until 8:30 p.m. Entertainment will feature Nathan and Chesni Arnett, a Kentucky couple who competed on Season 16 of the reality TV show, “The Voice.”

Both events offer free admission to attendees.

“It is going to be a lot of fun. We will have a lot of people who will go back and forth between the two events,” said Debbie Martin, president of the Meridian Council of the Arts, which organizes the Third Thursday events.

Night Market, which started nearly five years ago, usually draws 400 to 500 people, said Craig Wilkes, administrative assistant for the City of Meridian’s community development department.

The market is a collaborative effort between the city, The MAX and local farmers and artists, said Wilkes, who plays an integral role in organizing the first-of-the-month Earth’s Bounty markets at Singing Brakeman Park.

“This is kind of a marriage between local farmers and local artists,” he said, adding that attendance continues to grow each year.

“I always thought it was a great idea to have a night farmers market,” he said.

Night Market will feature many of Earth’s Bounty regular vendors who will offer an assortment of goods, including fresh produce, quail eggs, baked goods, sweet desserts and treats, pottery, bath soaps and lotions, baked goods, canned goods and hand-crafted jewelry.

Gabby Ortiz, marketing coordinator for The MAX, said a unique feature to this week’s market will be a painting demonstration by Byron Vaughns, a Meridian resident and Emmy award-winning producer, animator and director. Vaughns is known for his work as a storyboard artist and a director for a number of cartoons, including “Animaniacs” and “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” among others.

Meridian Health Clinic, a sponsor of Earth’s Bounty, will have its mobile clinic at the event and will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure checks.

Providing entertainment for the event will be local entertainer Daniel Houze, who will bring his blend of country and gospel music to the courtyard.

“He is one of Meridian’s favorites,” Ortiz said. “He has a good following locally.”

Don’t worry about missing dinner. Mayberry Eatery, a popular dining vendor from Shuqualak, will be on site with a menu of rib tips, burgers, potato salad, fries and baked beans.

Mayberry Eatery will also be at The MAX earlier in the day Thursday for the monthly Brown Bag Lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Shelby Anderson will bring his older, outlaw country sounds to the free, come-and-go event, Ortiz said.

Third Thursday, a family friendly event, began a few years ago and is expected to draw a crowd to Dumont Plaza. Martin said. The Arnetts, who are known for their bluegrass and country sound, will perform three 45-minute sets throughout the night. The couple competed on “The Voice” in 2019 but failed to make it to the semifinals.

“Third Thursday is a nice way to meet friends and to sit back and relax after work,” said Sharon Pratt, past president of the Meridian Council for the Arts.

Local artist Cary Haycock, who teaches art at Northeast Lauderdale High School, also will be on hand for Third Thursday and will conduct a painting demonstration. Food trucks, beer stands and snow cones also will be available.