PatronManager

Like it or not, selfies are here to stay. And museums, in particular, are having to rethink decades-old rules about patrons taking pictures in the galleries, rules that were most likely put in place with the advent of cameras that required indoor flash that could damage the artwork.

Now with highly sensitive cameras on most new mobile phones, flash isn’t needed, and the selfie becomes incredibly easy, not harmful to the art. They may be annoying to some but let’s face it, it’s not going to go away. That’s pretty much the gist of this article from The Telegraph in which a Gallery in the UK proposes a “one-hour no-selfie” rule.

Setting aside museums, the performing arts should do the opposite. How about a “selfie carnival” after the show or the concert? Bring the stars (or heck, the whole cast!) out to the lobby in costume after the show. Or have any 10 or 20 musicians from the orchestra, provide free drinks, and make it a party. Let people go wild.

Why? Because they will share those pictures with their friends, and you will generate marketing reach you can’t possibly buy.

Time to rethink selfies and go with the tide, rather than against it.

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