LinkedIn for Arts Professionals
Do’s and Don’ts for Building Your Presence
When most people think about promoting the arts, platforms like Instagram or Facebook come to mind first. But LinkedIn offers something different: it’s where decision-makers, funders, and thought leaders spend their time. For arts professionals—gallery directors, curators, consultants, or nonprofit leaders—LinkedIn is a powerful place to showcase expertise and connect beyond the usual circles.
Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to make the most of your presence:
✅ DO: Share Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Talk about what goes into curating an exhibition, supporting artists, or planning an event. These glimpses into the process make your work relatable and highlight the expertise it takes to bring art to the public.
❌ DON’T: Assume people know what you do.
Many outside the arts don’t realize the complexity of your work. If you stay vague or overly formal, your impact gets lost.
✅ DO: Celebrate Wins and Milestones
Post about grants awarded, partnerships formed, or community initiatives launched. LinkedIn is built for professional updates—it’s the perfect place to share.
❌ DON’T: Oversell or brag
Tone matters. Frame posts around gratitude, collaboration, and impact, not just self-promotion.
✅ DO: Highlight Artists and Colleagues
Shine a light on the people who make projects possible—whether it’s an artist in your current exhibition or a team member who went above and beyond. Recognition builds goodwill and strengthens networks.
❌ DON’T: Only post about your organization
If every post is “look at us,” your feed feels one-note. Broaden the story by lifting up others.
✅ DO: Educate and Inspire
Share quick insights about trends in collecting, funding, or community engagement. These posts position you as a thought leader and resource for your network.
❌ DON’T: Sound “school marmy” or condescending
It’s easy to slip into lecture mode. Keep posts conversational and inviting instead of overly academic.
✅ DO: Make Cross-Sector Connections
Show how the arts intersect with healthcare, education, or business. A post about art reducing stress in hospitals, for example, can spark interest outside the arts world.
❌ DON’T: Speak only to other arts professionals
Your most valuable connections on LinkedIn may come from people who don’t yet realize how the arts matter to them.
Final Thought
LinkedIn is about visibility, credibility, and relationships. By sharing stories, lifting up others, and making the arts feel relevant across sectors, you’ll build a professional presence that opens doors and strengthens the field as a whole.
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