New LondonArts Website to Boost Cultural Awareness, Tourism

London Arts Council, City of London, Tourism London, and London Public Library are pleased to announce London’s first comprehensive and fully interactive arts and culture website went live today. As part of the recommendations for action initiated through the Creative City Task Force Report, this website is the result of a strategic partnership aiming to promote the arts community in London. LondonArts -- www.londonarts.ca -- enhances local and visiting interest in the city’s thriving arts and culture community by delivering instant access to information about London’s arts events, organizations, venues and artists. “With LondonArts, artists and community groups are provided the opportunity to market themselves to a greater audience,” says Andrea Halwa, Executive Director of the London Arts Council. “This service will allow arts organizations and individuals to boast current events, share media releases, photos, reviews, and other customized information with the click of a mouse. The City of London continues to invest in the Arts recognizing the importance of Arts & Culture as an economic driver in today’s economy.” “London is a community that values its rich tapestry of arts, culture and heritage, so we’re delighted to partner in this innovative new website,” says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco. “As our city continues to grow, we look to greater use of technology to ensure Londoners and visitors are well informed of the many exciting activities available in our community and this promises to be a very effective tool for all.” Much more than a channel for event listings, LondonArts has a self maintaining component allows the site to communicate with users for updating purposes – ensuring information is current. Local artists and arts groups are given private access to maintain their own section of the site, thereby having the freedom to update information. They may upload images, add links, and provide event listings and pricing, providing a one-stop virtual culture zone for London visitors. “Up to date searchable content is a vital component for the attraction of visitors to our city,” states John Winston, General Manager of Tourism London. “The LondonArts website will be the definitive arts and culture information source and Tourism London is proud of its strategic partnership with regard to this initiative.” "London Public Library is often the first place people turn to for this kind of information," says Anne Becker, Library CEO. "Library staff will be fully trained on how to operate the system in order for them to take full advantage of the website's wealth of content, and to assist the community in listing their arts related content. In addition, we will market the LondonArts website to our patrons and our community partners through various means, such as our own website, e-newsletters and in our Access Magazine." The LondonArts site is the result of more than three years of market research, design, programming, beta testing, training and consultation with the arts community. What our community gains is instant access to increased information about London’s arts events, organizations, venues and artists. Tourism London, City of London, London Public Library and London Arts Council will market the LondonArts website through their various branches, divisions, departments and promotional tours, boosting awareness of and access to London’s cultural activities, arts organizations, arts venues, and individual artists alike. For more information, contact: Andrea Halwa, Executive Director London Arts Council 519.439.0013 www.londonarts.ca