LinkedIn For Theatre Arts

As most people know, LinkedIn is not a very valuable platform for those in the performing and visual arts and only really works for people who go into careers such as business or STEM. However, there are aspects of LinkedIn that can be utilized in a way that does work for us Theatre folk. 

Networking Opportunities

LinkedIn allows artists to connect with other creatives, directors, producers, curators, gallery owners and professionals across the performing and visual arts industries. It can be difficult to make those connections off of only LinkedIn, but it is possible! It's a platform made for discovering and reaching out to potential collaborators, whether that means partnering on projects, performances, exhibitions or commissions. LinkedIn can be a direct line to institutions or companies in the arts world. It helps artists build relationships with galleries, production houses, museums and performance venues, who may be scouting for new talent or collaborations. Many events, like exhibitions, festivals and openings are advertised on LinkedIn. This helps artists stay informed about opportunities to showcase their work. I know I've seen a few Theatre festivals, like Shakespeare, advertised on LinkedIn before that I've definitely looked into.

Displaying Work

Artists can create a professional profile or portfolio where they can share videos, images and descriptions of their performances or visual art projects, allowing their portfolios to be viewed by anyone. Artists can also upload or add links to high-quality videos of performances, works of art and exhibitions, showcasing their skills and the impact of their art to a much larger audience than the ones on their social media platforms. 

Commission and Work Opportunities

Some arts organizations, galleries, theaters and creative agencies post job opportunities and commissions on LinkedIn. This can aid artists in finding and applying for roles, residencies, exhibitions or freelance projects that align with their skill set. Potential employers, galleries or collaborators may approach artists directly via LinkedIn based on their profile and portfolio. So it is useful to make an account, even if this isn't the main job hub for artists.

Leveraging Skills

LinkedIn allows you to list your roles in performances, art exhibitions or any freelance gigs. This can include acting roles, musical performances, gallery shows or any other professional arts experience. It's important to list your key artistic skills in order to get endorsements from colleagues and collaborators to reinforce your expertise. You can also include media directly in your experience section, like photos from an exhibition, links to performance recordings or audio from live performances. The idea is to make it work the same as when you fill out an audition form.

In summary, LinkedIn is probably not the first choice of platform for performers and visual artists, but there are definitely ways to use it to our advantage. LinkedIn helps people connect, collaborate, learn and share their creative work with a broader audience. If you are able to stay active enough on it, artists can effectively promote themselves, showcase their work and build valuable connections in the arts community.