It seems that every day another museum or performing arts organization launches its own app. InstantEncore, one of the world’s leading providers of mobile technology solutions for the performing arts, has developed a platform that many arts organizations are using effectively to share content and to provide ticketing options. Their service provides a flexible yet sturdy infrastructure for creating a user-friendly application.
INTERFACE
There are two primary homepage layouts for the InstantEncore app that lay out the navigation tools: icons, or a task-bar at the bottom of the screen (both shown to the right). The menu options are customizable by the organization using InstantEncore’s platform, which allows for diverse organizations to cater content in a streamlined design.
CONTENT
InstantEncore supports videos from YouTube, Vimeo, and Ustream. The San Francisco Ballet app (right) features a homepage loaded with video content. With an in-house video staff, the San Francisco Ballet creates excellent content; it makes sense for this company’s app to deliver this material on a mobile platform. Now you can access Balanchine’s Serenade by merely reaching into your pocket. There are also interviews with dancers, season overview trailers, and behind-the-scenes insights into costuming and rehearsing. With two-thirds of the United States using mobile devices, both local and national audiences can begin enjoying the San Francisco Ballet’s content.
Overture Center for the Arts also uses InstantEncore’s service. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, this organization showcases innovative programming by hosting a variety of touring acts as well as housing ten resident companies. Their homepage is designed to encourage quick navigation away from the homepage to donate, find a show, or get directions.
PURCHASE POWER
While video and exclusive information are engaging features, InstantEncore apps are designed to allow for transactions. Both donations and ticket purchases can be made, though some organizations choose to redirect traffic to their mobile website. The Kansas City Ballet app allows for seat selection and even the purchase of parking tickets within the InstantEncore platform:
Ticket purchasing here is fluid and intuitive, though an account is needed to complete the purchase. The developer regularly updates the functionality of its apps, with its most recent update in September including improvements to the ticket purchasing system. These updates are included universally to users of InstantEncore's service as part of its pricing model.
SOCIAL MEDIA & BLOGS
Detroit Symphony's Blog
Many apps developed by InstantEncore give the user access to account information, notification settings, feedback, and the most popular social media platforms. One tap sharing makes it easy for audiences to post their experiences. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra features blog posts from their website that can be viewed without leaving the app itself. Now, more than ever, arts organizations are embracing every avenue to connect with their audiences, and InstantEncore provides just such a platform.
A CAVEAT
Developing an app is not the solution for every company, as detailed in Michelle Cheng’s whitepaper published here at AMT Lab. Mobile apps provide a fluid experience for users, but organizations might find that they are difficult to develop and manage. They aren’t cheap either. The pricing model for InstantEncore is available on their website:
OTHER OPTIONS
Though app development may not be feasible for many organizations, there are companies out there who can develop and support an app for your company should your strategy and needs support it. Other popular developers to consider include:
- Cloudtix
- snAPP Decisions
- Cloudspyre, LLC
- Nova Media Ltd.
InstantEncore is one of a few developers cultivating the mobile platform for performing arts organizations seeking to distribute content, connect with audiences, and sell tickets.