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Web design for art groups

Does our art group need a website?

For an art group or an art society, the main benefits of having a website are:

1. Helps promote the art group's work, exhibitions and events to a wide audience
2. Helps create a strong group identity
3. The website can be used to assist communication within the group
4. Individuals in the group can use the address of their web page as a showcase for their work - a low cost alternative to an individual website
5. Provides a selling opportunity for artists

Recommended pages for an art group website

All websites are different and depend on the owner's needs. But typically, an art group website has the following pages:

1. Home page – this may include a text introduction to the group, contact details and links to the events page and list of members page.

2. Events page – this is an opportunity to inform visitors of past, present and future events and exhibitions planned by the group.

3. Artist showcase pages – each page usually includes the artist’s biography and source of inspiration, together with four signature pieces. Each signature piece is enlargable - ie a visitor can click on an image to see a larger version (each of these enlargement pages counts as a separate page in web design terms).

Optional pages include:

Links page – links to other art groups, suppliers, magazines etc.
Guest books – an opportunity for people to leave comments
Blogs – keep a creative diary
Members only area - password protected area for important, dates, meeting reminders etc
Group image gallery

How much does an art group website cost?

Every website is different. The total cost of a website depends on the number of pages and the complexity of the design. Once we have received a full brief, we can give you a quote.

What are the ongoing costs to the group?

The first year of hosting is included in all our packages. From year two, you will need to pay our yearly hosting fees (currently £48 per year for an average site).

You will also need to renew your domain name (either .com or .co.uk) yearly. The renewal cost is currently £10 for a .co.uk name and £15 for a .com name.

Other options - fixed framework websites

One way of keeping costs down is to opt for a ‘fixed famework'’ site. Unlike bespoke sites that are built from scratch, the layout of a fixed framework website is pre-defined (the layout of the menu bar, the position of the images on the web page, position on the text etc). The group can have input on the colours used on the site, the font used and the number of pages.

Optional extras

Any optional extras can be added to the site specification (visitor statistics, search engine submission etc) for a small charge.

Managing an art group website

Dealing with a group of 10 people or so has obvious logistical problems. We recommend that each art group appoints a website coordinator who will be the main contact. Typically, the website coordinator will:

1. Liaise with us on all matters relating to the website
2. Liaise with members on matters concerning up dates and provide update briefs when appropriate

Individual members should be responsible for providing us with text and images needed for their showcase pages.

Updating your website

Typically, art groups want to update their websites once or twice a year - perhaps replacing images or updating exhibitions or memberships. Updates are charged on an ad hoc basis of £35 per hour. When a change is required, the most efficient method is for the website coordinator to contact each member of the group and request if any changes are required. The requests for changes should be collated into one email and forwarded to us. We will be able to give you a quote based on the anticipated changes.

Obviously, the cost will vary depending on how many changes are required but rarely exceeds two or three hours work for us.

What happens if a member leaves or a new member joins?

It iseasy to remove or add a member from the site.

Managing the finances of an art group website

Different art groups fund their in different ways:

1. The art group pays for the entire site – perhaps yearly membership fees cover the cost of the website
2. The group funds the basic set up costs, and asks individuals for contributions to showcase pages (either the full cost, or a %)