For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kate Myers, Q LTD
734.668.1695, kate@qltd.com
Colleen Murdock, The Ark
734.761.1800, colleen@theark.org

Q LTD DEVELOPS NEW WEB SITE FOR THE ARK

The Ark, a world-renowned-400 seat performance space for folk and roots music located in downtown Ann Arbor, contracted Q LTD to build a web site to communicate The Ark’s extensive concert series, numbering over 300 events a year. Q designed, developed, and produced the site. The two organizations are now ready to launch this new groundbreaking communications tool, (www.theark.org).

Q Senior Web Designer, Dan Klyn, explains: "The new site makes it easy for music fans to view The Ark's calendar of upcoming events by genre or date, and to discover who's playing. In addition to a Flash-based audio jukebox loaded with tracks by upcoming Ark performers, the new site includes a custom-built Content Management System, which gives Ark staffers the ability to edit and update all of the site information and graphics from a web-based administrative interface."

The collaboration between The Ark and Q LTD included conducting focus groups with Ark patrons to develop the architecture of the site. “While the site can’t be all things to all people--one patron suggested that The Ark start a dating service using its website to pair up single patrons—we feel that the design of the site will allow Ark fans to get the information they want in a timely matter,” says Ark Marketing Director, Colleen Murdock. “In addition to the easy-to-navigate structure, the design of the site is really beautiful. I think the Q team managed to capture what The Ark is all about. There’s a timeless warmth to this design that feels comfortable and welcoming, like The Ark.”

"Q is proud that The Ark is so happy with our work," states Q LTD President, Tom Rieke. “It is our hope that the acoustic music community in particular will see the site as a great example of how a unique venue like The Ark can communicate not just its events, but its personality through a website.”

Founded in 1981, Q is a 13 person graphic design and marketing communication firm with offices in Ann Arbor and San Francisco. Q LTD specializes in corporate identity, information design, and interactive media. Q designs, writes, develops, and implements creative and strategic communication programs for a broad array of clients, particularly those in the technology, health care, education, arts, and entertainment sectors. For more information, visit qltd.com.

Founded in 1965, The Ark is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of the human spirit through the presentation, preservation, and encouragement of folk, roots, and ethnic music and related arts. The Ark provides a welcoming atmosphere for all people to listen to, learn about, perform, and share music. The Ark is located at 316 S. Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.