Digital Works Podcast Sat, 30 May 2026 12:19:19 -0400 https://thedigital.works en-gb © 2026 Digital Works Podcast yes b8e409a3-13f8-5d05-8dc9-3b983cced91d Digital Works episodic true Talking about all the different things that 'digital' means in the arts, culture and heritage sectors. Tales of success and failure, interrogating the shiny new things and looking at what works (or not) and why, Interviews with digital folks working across the sector and beyond, in-house, consultants, funders, and more.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) digital works, arts, culture, technology, digital, strategy, leadership Digital Works https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ctfedpoh8shkm7d3ijoky3pwqlb0?.jpg Digital Works Podcast https://thedigital.works Ash Mann Tim Woodall (Faber & Faber) on what the arts can learn from publishing (and vice-versa), the reality that your audience is not “everyone” (and that’s fine), and the value of brand-building Tim Woodall (Faber & Faber) on what the arts can learn from publishing (and vice-versa), the reality that your audience is not “everyone” (and that’s fine), and the value of brand-building A conversation with Tim Woodall, the former Director of Marketing at The Philharmonia, and the current Head of Direct to Consumer Marketing at independent publishing house, Faber and Faber.

It was interesting to hear Tim's reflections on what the publishing world could learn from the arts, and vice-versa, the value of clear priorities, the lessons he learned through developing and launching a new subscription product, the importance of brand-building, and loads more.

]]> A conversation with Tim Woodall, the former Director of Marketing at The Philharmonia, and the current Head of Direct to Consumer Marketing at independent publishing house, Faber and Faber.

It was interesting to hear Tim's reflections on what the publishing world could learn from the arts, and vice-versa, the value of clear priorities, the lessons he learned through developing and launching a new subscription product, the importance of brand-building, and loads more.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-18223728 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 2307 full false This is how we built...a platform for teaching music This is how we built...a platform for teaching music Aurora Classroom, from the Aurora Orchestra, began as an idea to convert a live children’s storytelling concert into a classroom resource during the pandemic. 

In this conversation with Aurora Orchestra's Learning Director, Rebecca Barnett we hear how over the last five years it has grown into a comprehensive creative learning platform, showcasing Aurora’s resources for primary, secondary and SEND schools, live events for young people, and CPD for teachers. 

Whilst it started out like many other EdTech products as a subscription platform, after considerable deliberation the Aurora team took the leap to remove the paywall in April 2025.

This is how we built… shares the honest stories behind digital projects in the cultural sector, exploring what sparked them, how they were delivered (and what they cost), what nearly went (or did go) wrong, an the lessons learned along the way.

]]> Aurora Classroom, from the Aurora Orchestra, began as an idea to convert a live children’s storytelling concert into a classroom resource during the pandemic. 

In this conversation with Aurora Orchestra's Learning Director, Rebecca Barnett we hear how over the last five years it has grown into a comprehensive creative learning platform, showcasing Aurora’s resources for primary, secondary and SEND schools, live events for young people, and CPD for teachers. 

Whilst it started out like many other EdTech products as a subscription platform, after considerable deliberation the Aurora team took the leap to remove the paywall in April 2025.

This is how we built… shares the honest stories behind digital projects in the cultural sector, exploring what sparked them, how they were delivered (and what they cost), what nearly went (or did go) wrong, an the lessons learned along the way.

]]> Buzzsprout-17957436 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000 1469 full false This is how we built...an interactive longbow exhibit This is how we built...an interactive longbow exhibit Ben Templeton is a writer, creative director and facilitator in the field of games and playful technology. For almost 20 years Ben has helped organisations around the world create fun ways of bringing audiences together to interact with art, culture and science.

The Robin Hood Experience at Nottingham Castle is a series of immersive arcade games in four renovated coach arches. Supported by real-time motion tracking, custom electronics and large screen projections, players can grab an authentic medieval weapon and test their skills against a range of challenges. In the longbow games, three players compete for the high score but the quarterstaff is a solo battle against Little John on the bridge.

This is how we built… shares the honest stories behind digital projects in the cultural sector, exploring what sparked them, how they were delivered (and what they cost), what nearly went (or did go) wrong, an the lessons learned along the way.

]]> Ben Templeton is a writer, creative director and facilitator in the field of games and playful technology. For almost 20 years Ben has helped organisations around the world create fun ways of bringing audiences together to interact with art, culture and science.

The Robin Hood Experience at Nottingham Castle is a series of immersive arcade games in four renovated coach arches. Supported by real-time motion tracking, custom electronics and large screen projections, players can grab an authentic medieval weapon and test their skills against a range of challenges. In the longbow games, three players compete for the high score but the quarterstaff is a solo battle against Little John on the bridge.

This is how we built… shares the honest stories behind digital projects in the cultural sector, exploring what sparked them, how they were delivered (and what they cost), what nearly went (or did go) wrong, an the lessons learned along the way.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-17943629 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0100 1328 full false Paula Bray (State Library Victoria) on the power of experimentation, the importance of advocacy and generosity, recognising that some things take time, and the value of clear and joined-up strategy Paula Bray (State Library Victoria) on the power of experimentation, the importance of advocacy and generosity, recognising that some things take time, and the value of clear and joined-up strategy A great conversation with Paula Bray. Paula is Chief Digital Officer at State Library Victoria in Melbourne. 

Over the last twenty years Paula has held digital leadership roles at organisations including the State Library of NSW, Powerhouse Museum, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Innovation and experimentation runs through much of Paula's work, which is one of the reasons I wanted to have a converation with her. At the State Library of NSW she founded Australia’s first dedicated cultural heritage innovation lab, the DX Lab, building an award-winning team that explored new ways to open up collections and data. In 2019, she co-authored the book Open a GLAM Lab with peers from around the world, sharing the value of experimental practice across galleries, libraries, archives and museums.

]]> A great conversation with Paula Bray. Paula is Chief Digital Officer at State Library Victoria in Melbourne. 

Over the last twenty years Paula has held digital leadership roles at organisations including the State Library of NSW, Powerhouse Museum, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Innovation and experimentation runs through much of Paula's work, which is one of the reasons I wanted to have a converation with her. At the State Library of NSW she founded Australia’s first dedicated cultural heritage innovation lab, the DX Lab, building an award-winning team that explored new ways to open up collections and data. In 2019, she co-authored the book Open a GLAM Lab with peers from around the world, sharing the value of experimental practice across galleries, libraries, archives and museums.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-17903062 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100 2546 full false Brandon Powers on dance, technology, immersive experiences, reframing the role of the audience, working with engineers, and the importance of translation Brandon Powers on dance, technology, immersive experiences, reframing the role of the audience, working with engineers, and the importance of translation A chat with New York-based creative director and choreographer, Brandon Powers. Brandon works with technology to create experiences across physical and virtual spaces. 

We talked about his early experiences with technology, inter-disciplinary teams, the various ways that technology and virtual spaces can enhance and extend experiences for both artists and audiences, rethinking audience agency in the work he's been doing on Fortnite, and loads more. 

If you're interested in hearing from someone who sits neatly at the intersection between performance, storytelling, technology, and experience design, then this one is for you.

You can find more about Brandon's work on his website https://www.brandon-powers.com/

]]> A chat with New York-based creative director and choreographer, Brandon Powers. Brandon works with technology to create experiences across physical and virtual spaces. 

We talked about his early experiences with technology, inter-disciplinary teams, the various ways that technology and virtual spaces can enhance and extend experiences for both artists and audiences, rethinking audience agency in the work he's been doing on Fortnite, and loads more. 

If you're interested in hearing from someone who sits neatly at the intersection between performance, storytelling, technology, and experience design, then this one is for you.

You can find more about Brandon's work on his website https://www.brandon-powers.com/

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-17708205 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0100 2700 full false Neil Williams (BFI) on transforming organisations through digital, comparisons between the civil service and the cultural sector, working in the open, and intentionally not empire-building Neil Williams (BFI) on transforming organisations through digital, comparisons between the civil service and the cultural sector, working in the open, and intentionally not empire-building A conversation recorded in-person (hurray!) with the BFI's Exec Director of Technology and Digital Transformation, Neil Williams.

Neil writes a regular 'fortnight notes' post on his blog, which you can find here neilojwilliams.net

]]> A conversation recorded in-person (hurray!) with the BFI's Exec Director of Technology and Digital Transformation, Neil Williams.

Neil writes a regular 'fortnight notes' post on his blog, which you can find here neilojwilliams.net

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-17507343 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0100 3439 full false Tash Willcocks (TPX Impact) on navigating uncertainty, intellectual humility, leadership in turbulent times, why zebras don't get ulcers, the importance of structure in enabling agility, how to actually build psychological safety and more Tash Willcocks (TPX Impact) on navigating uncertainty, intellectual humility, leadership in turbulent times, why zebras don't get ulcers, the importance of structure in enabling agility, how to actually build psychological safety and more  A wide-ranging chat with Tash Willcocks (Head of Learning Design at TPX Impact) on organisational culture, leadership, and how to deal with change and uncertainty.

Tash mentioned a whole load of ideas, articles, books, and thinkers - a few of which I've linked to below:

Tash's Medium lives here:
https://medium.com/@tash-willcocks

This is the first post I read from Tash, which touches on Kotters Dual Operating System, and cheese toasties
https://tash-willcocks.medium.com/dont-micromanage-the-cheese-661eb056fca7

More on Kotters system
https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2014/05/14/leverage-john-kotters-dual-operating-system-to-accelerate-change-in-large-organizations/

VUCA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VUCA

Kevin Kruse on BANI
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2025/02/03/forget-vuca-bani-is-the-new-framework-world/ 

The virtue of intellectual humility with Dr. Tenelle Porter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4W3ENXbzgg

The SCARF model on motivation
https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/scarf-model-motivate-your-employees

Thea Snow on "certainty artefacts: the constructs we create to make sense of the world" is linked via this post from Tash
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tashwillcocks_quotedumpday-design-drawing-activity-7299698981138280449-olTU/

Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Organization-Psychological-Workplace-Innovation/dp/1119477247

Edgar Shein on organisational culture
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/5-enduring-management-ideas-mit-sloans-edgar-schein

]]>  A wide-ranging chat with Tash Willcocks (Head of Learning Design at TPX Impact) on organisational culture, leadership, and how to deal with change and uncertainty.

Tash mentioned a whole load of ideas, articles, books, and thinkers - a few of which I've linked to below:

Tash's Medium lives here:
https://medium.com/@tash-willcocks

This is the first post I read from Tash, which touches on Kotters Dual Operating System, and cheese toasties
https://tash-willcocks.medium.com/dont-micromanage-the-cheese-661eb056fca7

More on Kotters system
https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2014/05/14/leverage-john-kotters-dual-operating-system-to-accelerate-change-in-large-organizations/

VUCA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VUCA

Kevin Kruse on BANI
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2025/02/03/forget-vuca-bani-is-the-new-framework-world/ 

The virtue of intellectual humility with Dr. Tenelle Porter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4W3ENXbzgg

The SCARF model on motivation
https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/scarf-model-motivate-your-employees

Thea Snow on "certainty artefacts: the constructs we create to make sense of the world" is linked via this post from Tash
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tashwillcocks_quotedumpday-design-drawing-activity-7299698981138280449-olTU/

Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Organization-Psychological-Workplace-Innovation/dp/1119477247

Edgar Shein on organisational culture
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/5-enduring-management-ideas-mit-sloans-edgar-schein

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-17303320 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0100 3363 full true Emma Keith (National Theatre) on NT Live, remote audiences, experimentation, learning, thinking about value, leadership, and the importance of pilots Emma Keith (National Theatre) on NT Live, remote audiences, experimentation, learning, thinking about value, leadership, and the importance of pilots A great chat with the National Theatre's outgoing Managing Director - Digital, Emma Keith.

We talked about how digital practice has developed at the NT and how that differs from other performing arts organisations. The history of the NT Live programme, and the importance of pilots and testing ideas. The hidden value of digital infrastructure, remote audiences, thinking about outcomes rather than outputs, leadership, creating a culture of learning, and loads more.

]]> A great chat with the National Theatre's outgoing Managing Director - Digital, Emma Keith.

We talked about how digital practice has developed at the NT and how that differs from other performing arts organisations. The history of the NT Live programme, and the importance of pilots and testing ideas. The hidden value of digital infrastructure, remote audiences, thinking about outcomes rather than outputs, leadership, creating a culture of learning, and loads more.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-16903276 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100 3387 full false Beks Leary (National Gallery) on the challenges & opportunities of working in larger vs smaller teams, different ways of thinking about audiences, and the value of building meaningful relationships with creators Beks Leary (National Gallery) on the challenges & opportunities of working in larger vs smaller teams, different ways of thinking about audiences, and the value of building meaningful relationships with creators A chat with Beks Leary, Senior Social Media and Content Lead at the National Gallery in London.

We talked about Beks's career, which has encompassed working at a diverse range of organisations including the Bush Theatre, BBC, and National Theatre before Beks's current role at the National Gallery. 

Beks explained the opportunities and challenges that come with working in smaller vs larger organisations, the different ways that broadcasters, performing arts, and collections-based organisations think about audiences. 

We spent most of our conversation discussing the recent 200 Creators initiative (https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/ng200-programme/200-creators) which saw the National Gallery build relationships with creators across social media platforms to reach new audiences. 200 Creators is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

]]> A chat with Beks Leary, Senior Social Media and Content Lead at the National Gallery in London.

We talked about Beks's career, which has encompassed working at a diverse range of organisations including the Bush Theatre, BBC, and National Theatre before Beks's current role at the National Gallery. 

Beks explained the opportunities and challenges that come with working in smaller vs larger organisations, the different ways that broadcasters, performing arts, and collections-based organisations think about audiences. 

We spent most of our conversation discussing the recent 200 Creators initiative (https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/ng200-programme/200-creators) which saw the National Gallery build relationships with creators across social media platforms to reach new audiences. 200 Creators is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-16731532 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000 1895 60 full false Mike Keating (Art Fund) on the collaborative development of AI policy, balancing the priorities of being both a membership and sector support organisation, and the impact of COVID on Art Fund's digital transformation Mike Keating (Art Fund) on the collaborative development of AI policy, balancing the priorities of being both a membership and sector support organisation, and the impact of COVID on Art Fund's digital transformation  A conversation with Art Fund's Associate Director of Digital Experience, Mike Keating.

Most of our chat focused on Mike's relatively recent work in developing Art Fund's first AI policy. The collaborative, open, and pragmatic approach that Mike and colleagues took to this work feels like a useful model that other cultural organisations could borrow from.

We also talk about the benefits and downsides of being a digital generalist, Mike's feelings about technology in general, the impact of Covid on how Art Fund thinks about digital projects, and lots more.

Art Fund (artfund.org) is an organisation with three main areas of focus; they fund art "helping the UK’s museums to enrich their collections", they grow audiences through their National Art Pass membership scheme, and they advocate for museums through initiatives like their Museum of the Year award.

]]>  A conversation with Art Fund's Associate Director of Digital Experience, Mike Keating.

Most of our chat focused on Mike's relatively recent work in developing Art Fund's first AI policy. The collaborative, open, and pragmatic approach that Mike and colleagues took to this work feels like a useful model that other cultural organisations could borrow from.

We also talk about the benefits and downsides of being a digital generalist, Mike's feelings about technology in general, the impact of Covid on how Art Fund thinks about digital projects, and lots more.

Art Fund (artfund.org) is an organisation with three main areas of focus; they fund art "helping the UK’s museums to enrich their collections", they grow audiences through their National Art Pass membership scheme, and they advocate for museums through initiatives like their Museum of the Year award.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-16593835 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000 2144 1 59 full false Episode 58 - Clare Reddington (Watershed) on leadership, digital confidence, organisational culture, and embracing risk Episode 58 - Clare Reddington (Watershed) on leadership, digital confidence, organisational culture, and embracing risk A conversation with Watershed CEO, Clare Reddington.

Watershed is an independent cinema, cultural hub, and home of the creative technology community, Pervasive Media Studio.

Clare was one of the keynote speakers at this year's Digital Works Conference and in our chat she expanded on some of the themes and ideas that were touched on in her keynote session. Ideas of digital confidence, leadership in difficult times, embracing risk, understanding who your audience is (and is not), and acknowledging when you aren't the right person or organisation to take a lead on something.

Clare is a really effective, inspiring and thoughtful voice on digital (in all its many manifestations), technology, and the role of cultural organisations in the 21st century.

We also discussed Undershed, Watershed's new immersive gallery, which is a great example of some of the traits and principles that Clare's leadership embodies.

Clare is also a Visiting Professor at University of the West of England. She is chair of Emma Rice's Wise Children, and is a trustee of of RSC and British Council.

]]> A conversation with Watershed CEO, Clare Reddington.

Watershed is an independent cinema, cultural hub, and home of the creative technology community, Pervasive Media Studio.

Clare was one of the keynote speakers at this year's Digital Works Conference and in our chat she expanded on some of the themes and ideas that were touched on in her keynote session. Ideas of digital confidence, leadership in difficult times, embracing risk, understanding who your audience is (and is not), and acknowledging when you aren't the right person or organisation to take a lead on something.

Clare is a really effective, inspiring and thoughtful voice on digital (in all its many manifestations), technology, and the role of cultural organisations in the 21st century.

We also discussed Undershed, Watershed's new immersive gallery, which is a great example of some of the traits and principles that Clare's leadership embodies.

Clare is also a Visiting Professor at University of the West of England. She is chair of Emma Rice's Wise Children, and is a trustee of of RSC and British Council.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-15745776 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 02:00:00 +0100 2638 1 58 full false Episode 057 - Ash and Katie, Bytes #13 - on the state of social in 2024, an AI policy from the National Library of Scotland, and a story which highlights the delicate nature of the internet Episode 057 - Ash and Katie, Bytes #13 - on the state of social in 2024, an AI policy from the National Library of Scotland, and a story which highlights the delicate nature of the internet The thirteenth episode of Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on Sept 3rd.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The thirteenth episode of Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on Sept 3rd.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-15745625 Fri, 13 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100 873 full false Episode 056 - Dr Martin Poulter (Khalili Foundation) on building bridges between cultural heritage and Wikipedia and the transformative potential of taking a more open approach to content and knowledge Episode 056 - Dr Martin Poulter (Khalili Foundation) on building bridges between cultural heritage and Wikipedia and the transformative potential of taking a more open approach to content and knowledge Dr. Martin Poulter is Wikimedian in Residence at the Khalili Foundation.

We hear how Martin moved from being a dedicated volunteer Wikipedia contributor to a key advocate for the open content movement, harnessing Wikipedia’s potential to democratise access to cultural heritage and knowledge. 

Through his collaborations with organisations like the Bodleian Libraries, University of Bristol, and the Khalili Collection, Martin shares his thoughts on the significant opportunities that can arise when cultural institutions embrace Wikipedia.

Martin also shares a frank and insightful perspective on the cultural and mindset change that is required to fully capitalise on these opportunities.

]]> Dr. Martin Poulter is Wikimedian in Residence at the Khalili Foundation.

We hear how Martin moved from being a dedicated volunteer Wikipedia contributor to a key advocate for the open content movement, harnessing Wikipedia’s potential to democratise access to cultural heritage and knowledge. 

Through his collaborations with organisations like the Bodleian Libraries, University of Bristol, and the Khalili Collection, Martin shares his thoughts on the significant opportunities that can arise when cultural institutions embrace Wikipedia.

Martin also shares a frank and insightful perspective on the cultural and mindset change that is required to fully capitalise on these opportunities.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-15544502 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0100 2654 1 56 full false Episode 055 - Ash and Katie, Bytes #12 - the habits of innovative councils, Google's research on the consumption habits of Gen Z, and a good idea from Friends of the Earth Episode 055 - Ash and Katie, Bytes #12 - the habits of innovative councils, Google's research on the consumption habits of Gen Z, and a good idea from Friends of the Earth The twelfth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on July 16th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The twelfth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on July 16th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-15555752 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0100 1255 full false Episode 054 - Ross Eustis (SFJAZZ) on growing digital programmes from scratch, finding new audiences, learning from other cultural organisations, and the role of digital in enhancing the in-person experience Episode 054 - Ross Eustis (SFJAZZ) on growing digital programmes from scratch, finding new audiences, learning from other cultural organisations, and the role of digital in enhancing the in-person experience A conversation with SFJAZZ's Director of Digital, Ross Eustis.

Since 2020 SFJAZZ have developed a comprehensive programme of content for their digital audiences. We look at how these programmes can expand audience reach and enhance engagement.

Ross talks about how this digital work can complement in-person experiences, making performances more accessible and help foster a sense of community globally.

Ross also emphasises the importance of a beginner's mindset, transparency with audiences, and the value of knowledge-sharing between cultural institutions.

If you want to check out all of the videos Ross and his team have been making, head over to SFJAZZ.org/AtHome


]]> A conversation with SFJAZZ's Director of Digital, Ross Eustis.

Since 2020 SFJAZZ have developed a comprehensive programme of content for their digital audiences. We look at how these programmes can expand audience reach and enhance engagement.

Ross talks about how this digital work can complement in-person experiences, making performances more accessible and help foster a sense of community globally.

Ross also emphasises the importance of a beginner's mindset, transparency with audiences, and the value of knowledge-sharing between cultural institutions.

If you want to check out all of the videos Ross and his team have been making, head over to SFJAZZ.org/AtHome


]]> Digital Works / Ross Eustis Buzzsprout-15347042 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 01:00:00 +0100 2689 1 54 full false Episode 053 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #11 - Patreon's CEO on the "Future of Creativity on the Web", the demise of Deviantart and what this tells us about the wider internet, and an analysis of a tweet about cheeseburger salad Episode 053 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #11 - Patreon's CEO on the "Future of Creativity on the Web", the demise of Deviantart and what this tells us about the wider internet, and an analysis of a tweet about cheeseburger salad The eleventh in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on May 30th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The eleventh in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on May 30th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-15341067 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100 925 full false Episode 052 - Kate Carter (Edinburgh International Festival) on experiments with the audience experience Episode 052 - Kate Carter (Edinburgh International Festival) on experiments with the audience experience We sit down with the brilliant Kate Carter, Director of Audiences at the Edinburgh International Festival. Kate shares the experiments that EIF have been carrying out around their audience experience, particularly for classical concerts.

]]> We sit down with the brilliant Kate Carter, Director of Audiences at the Edinburgh International Festival. Kate shares the experiments that EIF have been carrying out around their audience experience, particularly for classical concerts.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-15106948 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0100 2613 full false Episode 051 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #10 - reflecting on key themes at this year's Digital Works Conference - asking the right questions, understanding audiences, focusing on accessibility, and learning from other sectors Episode 051 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #10 - reflecting on key themes at this year's Digital Works Conference - asking the right questions, understanding audiences, focusing on accessibility, and learning from other sectors The tenth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie usually discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter but in this episode are looking back at the first Digital Works Conference.

Ash and Katie identify a few themes and takesaways that are applicable to all cultural organisations, regardless of size:

  • Prioritising questions, imagination, and people over technology and assumptions
  • Building stronger, more direct relationships with your audience 
  • How inclusion and accessibility benefits everyone
  • And last but not least that there is lots to learn from other sectors
]]> The tenth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie usually discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter but in this episode are looking back at the first Digital Works Conference.

Ash and Katie identify a few themes and takesaways that are applicable to all cultural organisations, regardless of size:

  • Prioritising questions, imagination, and people over technology and assumptions
  • Building stronger, more direct relationships with your audience 
  • How inclusion and accessibility benefits everyone
  • And last but not least that there is lots to learn from other sectors
]]> Buzzsprout-15114587 Tue, 28 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100 1321 1 51 full false Episode 050 - Adam Stoneman (Muse-Tech Ireland) on the implications for the cultural sector of emerging technologies and the need for robust critical engagement with the opportunities and challenges these technologies pose Episode 050 - Adam Stoneman (Muse-Tech Ireland) on the implications for the cultural sector of emerging technologies and the need for robust critical engagement with the opportunities and challenges these technologies pose A conversation with Adam Stoneman, founder of Ireland's Muse-Tech Working Group.

Adam's career is a testament to the possibilities that can arise when cultural institutions embrace technology to democratise and enhance the museum experience.

Last year the Muse-Tech Working Group, a cohort of Irish museum professionals, published Museum Technology: A Critical Primer.

This document engaged with the implications for the cultural sector of emerging technologies such as biometrics, web3, and XR. Through dialogue with civil rights experts and academics, they produced the critical primer to try and start sector-wide conversations to ensure technology serves the cultural sector authentically and ethically.

We explored topics including digital literacy, power imbalances and skepticism towards tech corporations, and the push for open-source initiatives.

You can download the Primer document for free here.

]]> A conversation with Adam Stoneman, founder of Ireland's Muse-Tech Working Group.

Adam's career is a testament to the possibilities that can arise when cultural institutions embrace technology to democratise and enhance the museum experience.

Last year the Muse-Tech Working Group, a cohort of Irish museum professionals, published Museum Technology: A Critical Primer.

This document engaged with the implications for the cultural sector of emerging technologies such as biometrics, web3, and XR. Through dialogue with civil rights experts and academics, they produced the critical primer to try and start sector-wide conversations to ensure technology serves the cultural sector authentically and ethically.

We explored topics including digital literacy, power imbalances and skepticism towards tech corporations, and the push for open-source initiatives.

You can download the Primer document for free here.

]]> Digital Works / Adam Stoneman Buzzsprout-13801055 Wed, 08 May 2024 02:00:00 +0100 2507 1 50 full false Episode 049 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #9 - a conversation about digital media trends in 2024, museums joining the fediverse, attention metrics at the New York Times, and a creative use of AI Episode 049 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #9 - a conversation about digital media trends in 2024, museums joining the fediverse, attention metrics at the New York Times, and a creative use of AI The nineth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on April 15th.

We talk about:

  • Deloitte's 2024 Digital Media report
  • Aaron Cope's blog post on how the SFO Museum is navigating the Fediverse
  • We look at the news that The New York Times are measuring user attention and engagement metrics in new ways
  • And last but not least we look at AI meets social history with 'Synthetic Memories', a project aiming to fill the visual void in underrepresented communities' pasts. 

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The nineth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (or 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on April 15th.

We talk about:

  • Deloitte's 2024 Digital Media report
  • Aaron Cope's blog post on how the SFO Museum is navigating the Fediverse
  • We look at the news that The New York Times are measuring user attention and engagement metrics in new ways
  • And last but not least we look at AI meets social history with 'Synthetic Memories', a project aiming to fill the visual void in underrepresented communities' pasts. 

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Buzzsprout-14911973 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1129 full false Episode 048 - Dr Brett Ashley Crawford and Paul Hansen on their new book 'Raising the Curtain. Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Artists' Episode 048 - Dr Brett Ashley Crawford and Paul Hansen on their new book 'Raising the Curtain. Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Artists' A conversation with Dr Brett Ashley Crawford and Paul Hansen. Their new book (Raising the Curtain. Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Artists) looks at how performing arts organisations and artists are successfully using technology in a variety of different contexts.

We talked about how the pandemic became a catalyst for innovation, we look at examples of organisations that have embedded technology across all their work. We discussed how digital transformation is not just about adopting new tools, but rather a revolution in connecting with audiences and empowering artists.

Brett and Paul share lots of specific, tangible examples of organisations that have successfully adopted new, more digitally-enabled ways of working across a huge diversity of areas. They also share their insights and observations about the common traits of organisations that enjoy the most success with adopting and executing these new ways of thinking and working.

You can find more info about the book, and order a copy, on the Wiley website.

Dr Brett Ashley Crawford is an Associate Teaching Professor of Arts Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and is the Faculty Chair of the Masters of Arts and Entertainment Management Programmes.

Paul Hansen is a marketing, creative and PR consultant, primarily working with the performing arts. As marketing director for Dance Kaleidoscope, a medium-sized company in Indianapolis, Paul navigated the challenges of using technology in new ways for nearly 12 years. 

Raising the Curtain was published by Wiley in March 2024.




]]> A conversation with Dr Brett Ashley Crawford and Paul Hansen. Their new book (Raising the Curtain. Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Artists) looks at how performing arts organisations and artists are successfully using technology in a variety of different contexts.

We talked about how the pandemic became a catalyst for innovation, we look at examples of organisations that have embedded technology across all their work. We discussed how digital transformation is not just about adopting new tools, but rather a revolution in connecting with audiences and empowering artists.

Brett and Paul share lots of specific, tangible examples of organisations that have successfully adopted new, more digitally-enabled ways of working across a huge diversity of areas. They also share their insights and observations about the common traits of organisations that enjoy the most success with adopting and executing these new ways of thinking and working.

You can find more info about the book, and order a copy, on the Wiley website.

Dr Brett Ashley Crawford is an Associate Teaching Professor of Arts Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and is the Faculty Chair of the Masters of Arts and Entertainment Management Programmes.

Paul Hansen is a marketing, creative and PR consultant, primarily working with the performing arts. As marketing director for Dance Kaleidoscope, a medium-sized company in Indianapolis, Paul navigated the challenges of using technology in new ways for nearly 12 years. 

Raising the Curtain was published by Wiley in March 2024.




]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14826487 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 01:00:00 +0100 2984 1 48 full false Episode 047 - Ash, Bytes #8 - Hilary Knight, Seb Chan, and Aled John on looking forward to the Digital Works Conference Episode 047 - Ash, Bytes #8 - Hilary Knight, Seb Chan, and Aled John on looking forward to the Digital Works Conference I chatted with Hilary Knight, Seb Chan, and Aled John to hear a bit more about what they'll be talking about at this month's Digital Works Conference as well as what they're looking forward to.

We looked at the potential of informal networking, discussing how tea break chats can lead to new ideas and fortify the cultural community. The lessons that the Financial Times' strategic pivot to digital could hold for the cultural sector, and the value of international collaboration and discussion.

]]> I chatted with Hilary Knight, Seb Chan, and Aled John to hear a bit more about what they'll be talking about at this month's Digital Works Conference as well as what they're looking forward to.

We looked at the potential of informal networking, discussing how tea break chats can lead to new ideas and fortify the cultural community. The lessons that the Financial Times' strategic pivot to digital could hold for the cultural sector, and the value of international collaboration and discussion.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14826118 Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100 1238 full false Episode 046 - Michal Čudrnák (Slovak National Gallery) on building in-house teams, public-private partnerships, sector support, and the role digital can play in enhancing the in-person experience Episode 046 - Michal Čudrnák (Slovak National Gallery) on building in-house teams, public-private partnerships, sector support, and the role digital can play in enhancing the in-person experience In this episode Ash chats to Michal Čudrnák Head of Digital Collections & Services at the Slovak National Gallery.

We talk about the history of the gallery, and how the Digital team has grown and evolved over recent years. We talk about the interesting and somewhat unique role that the Slovak National Gallery plays in supporting the wider Slovak cultural sector with digital tools and expertise. We look at the role of digital in supporting in-person attendance, and how designing for this context is very different from 'fully remote' experiences. 

Michal explains of the different ways that his team works with other organisations, on collaborative projects with the cultural sector in Slovakia and further afield, and we explore some examples of public-private relationships that they are exploring.

You can see some of the work that Michal and his team have delivered:

]]> In this episode Ash chats to Michal Čudrnák Head of Digital Collections & Services at the Slovak National Gallery.

We talk about the history of the gallery, and how the Digital team has grown and evolved over recent years. We talk about the interesting and somewhat unique role that the Slovak National Gallery plays in supporting the wider Slovak cultural sector with digital tools and expertise. We look at the role of digital in supporting in-person attendance, and how designing for this context is very different from 'fully remote' experiences. 

Michal explains of the different ways that his team works with other organisations, on collaborative projects with the cultural sector in Slovakia and further afield, and we explore some examples of public-private relationships that they are exploring.

You can see some of the work that Michal and his team have delivered:

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14607657 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0000 2372 1 46 full false Episode 045 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #7 - a conversation about advances and problems with AI, YouTube CEO's predictions for 2024, and shifts in how the web is monetised Episode 045 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #7 - a conversation about advances and problems with AI, YouTube CEO's predictions for 2024, and shifts in how the web is monetised The seventh in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on February 26th.

We talk about:

  • The launch of OpenAI's new text-to-video product, Sora. The apparent meltdown that ChatGPT had last week, and the BBC's AI Principles
  • We also talk about YouTube CEO Neal Mohan's predictions for 2024
  • And last but not least we'll look at an article in Engadget about the Browser Company's new product, titled "Who makes money when AI reads the internet for us?"

I realise that's more than three things, but broadly it's AI news, YouTube predictions, and considerations about how the web is monetised.

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The seventh in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on February 26th.

We talk about:

  • The launch of OpenAI's new text-to-video product, Sora. The apparent meltdown that ChatGPT had last week, and the BBC's AI Principles
  • We also talk about YouTube CEO Neal Mohan's predictions for 2024
  • And last but not least we'll look at an article in Engadget about the Browser Company's new product, titled "Who makes money when AI reads the internet for us?"

I realise that's more than three things, but broadly it's AI news, YouTube predictions, and considerations about how the web is monetised.

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14606248 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0000 1227 1 45 full false Episode 044 - Samantha King (VIVE Arts) on the conditions required for good work to happen, the financial and operational realities of creating immersive experiences, and how artistic and technology teams can work together Episode 044 - Samantha King (VIVE Arts) on the conditions required for good work to happen, the financial and operational realities of creating immersive experiences, and how artistic and technology teams can work together A great conversation about immersive experiences with VIVE Arts' Head of Programme, Samantha King.

We talked about a LOT including: the conditions required for new ways of thinking and working to take root; the importance of sharing knowledge and collaboration; the operational and financial realities of creating immersive work.

We returned to a long-running topic, namely how useful the word 'digital' actually is. Sam pointed to the importance of leadership buy-in (or at least an active curiosity about what might be possible). We looked at the importance of having people who are able to interpret between traditional cultural practitioners and technologists (something that I've discussed on previous podcast episodes with Annette Mees, and Eva Liparova)

And, helpfully, Sam cited a number of specific institutions and projects that might be useful reference points as inspiration.

Related links:

]]> A great conversation about immersive experiences with VIVE Arts' Head of Programme, Samantha King.

We talked about a LOT including: the conditions required for new ways of thinking and working to take root; the importance of sharing knowledge and collaboration; the operational and financial realities of creating immersive work.

We returned to a long-running topic, namely how useful the word 'digital' actually is. Sam pointed to the importance of leadership buy-in (or at least an active curiosity about what might be possible). We looked at the importance of having people who are able to interpret between traditional cultural practitioners and technologists (something that I've discussed on previous podcast episodes with Annette Mees, and Eva Liparova)

And, helpfully, Sam cited a number of specific institutions and projects that might be useful reference points as inspiration.

Related links:

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14541406 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0000 2931 1 44 full false Episode 043 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #6 - a conversation about platform ethics, highlighting the work of the National Gallery, and looking at the failed collab between Punchdrunk and Niantic Episode 043 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #6 - a conversation about platform ethics, highlighting the work of the National Gallery, and looking at the failed collab between Punchdrunk and Niantic The sixth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on January 29th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The sixth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on January 29th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Buzzsprout-14448842 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000 1076 full false Episode 042 - Stuart Buchanan (Sydney Opera House) on digital teams, international collaborations, reaching new audiences, experimentation, rights and IP, and artistic applications of AI Episode 042 - Stuart Buchanan (Sydney Opera House) on digital teams, international collaborations, reaching new audiences, experimentation, rights and IP, and artistic applications of AI We catch up with Sydney Opera House's Head of Screen, Stuart Buchanan. 

We talk about Stuart's new job title, how digital teams are structured at SOH, and the unhelpfully vague nature of the word 'digital'. 

Stuart shares how digital artistic programmes have enabled the Sydney Opera House to work with new artists, in new ways. 

The issues and challenges around rights, and reaching agreements with artists (and the value of having a track record that you can point to in these conversations).

We discuss the many experimental strands to the work of Stuart's team, and the potential uses of generative AI in that context.

And lots more!


]]> We catch up with Sydney Opera House's Head of Screen, Stuart Buchanan. 

We talk about Stuart's new job title, how digital teams are structured at SOH, and the unhelpfully vague nature of the word 'digital'. 

Stuart shares how digital artistic programmes have enabled the Sydney Opera House to work with new artists, in new ways. 

The issues and challenges around rights, and reaching agreements with artists (and the value of having a track record that you can point to in these conversations).

We discuss the many experimental strands to the work of Stuart's team, and the potential uses of generative AI in that context.

And lots more!


]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14411806 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000 3200 1 42 full false Episode 041 - Haydn Corrodus on unleashing Social Media's potential for cultural organisations, the value of story-telling, understanding your audience, and being thoughtful about how you're showing up on social platforms Episode 041 - Haydn Corrodus on unleashing Social Media's potential for cultural organisations, the value of story-telling, understanding your audience, and being thoughtful about how you're showing up on social platforms Our last episode of 2023 is a conversation with Haydn Corrodus. Haydn is a social media and digital marketing consultant who was previously an Arts Council England Tech Champion as part of the Digital Culture Network

Haydn brings rich insights into the fragmented and ever-evolving world of social media, and its potential for storytelling, connecting and engaging with audiences in the cultural sector.


]]> Our last episode of 2023 is a conversation with Haydn Corrodus. Haydn is a social media and digital marketing consultant who was previously an Arts Council England Tech Champion as part of the Digital Culture Network

Haydn brings rich insights into the fragmented and ever-evolving world of social media, and its potential for storytelling, connecting and engaging with audiences in the cultural sector.


]]> Digital Works / Haydn Corrodus Buzzsprout-14105722 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0000 2572 1 41 full false Episode 040 - Bytes #5, Ash and Katie reflect on 2023 looking at declining attention spans, AI challenges, shifts in where users are spending their time online, and some attempts at predicting priorities and trends for 2024 Episode 040 - Bytes #5, Ash and Katie reflect on 2023 looking at declining attention spans, AI challenges, shifts in where users are spending their time online, and some attempts at predicting priorities and trends for 2024 In the last podcast episode of the year, Katie and Ash reflect on 2023 - picking a few of the most notable articles, podcasts, research reports, and new stories of the year.

We discuss digital overload and the impact it's had on our attention spans. Exploring whether our cultural institutions could become havens of focus and relaxation in the blizzard of digital distractions.

We look at the wild frontier of AI technology and its impact on our search engines and content creation. Considering the difficulty of distinguishing between human and algorithm-generated content, we also explore how AI could be our ally in boosting creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

Meanwhile,  social media has also undergone massive fragmentation, we discuss the fall of Twitter and the moral implications of who we engage with on these platforms. 

We also gaze into the crystal ball and try to predict what 2024 might hold for us.

We discussed:

]]> In the last podcast episode of the year, Katie and Ash reflect on 2023 - picking a few of the most notable articles, podcasts, research reports, and new stories of the year.

We discuss digital overload and the impact it's had on our attention spans. Exploring whether our cultural institutions could become havens of focus and relaxation in the blizzard of digital distractions.

We look at the wild frontier of AI technology and its impact on our search engines and content creation. Considering the difficulty of distinguishing between human and algorithm-generated content, we also explore how AI could be our ally in boosting creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

Meanwhile,  social media has also undergone massive fragmentation, we discuss the fall of Twitter and the moral implications of who we engage with on these platforms. 

We also gaze into the crystal ball and try to predict what 2024 might hold for us.

We discussed:

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-14132581 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0000 2572 full false Episode 039 - Dr Carrie Goucher on meeting culture, the role of psychological safety, advice on how to improve the effectiveness of your meetings, and building trust in teams Episode 039 - Dr Carrie Goucher on meeting culture, the role of psychological safety, advice on how to improve the effectiveness of your meetings, and building trust in teams A conversation with Dr Carrie Goucher. Carrie helps people transform meetings and meeting culture. She has redesigned how we meet for the collaborative era, crafting meetings that are honest, focused, supportive and energising. Carrie’s PhD created an evidence-based framework for what underpins meeting success (spoiler alert: it’s not having an agenda) and her research was described as 'game changing for meeting science’.

Links:

Recommended reading:

  • Kim Scott, Radical Candour
  • Nancy Klein, Time to Think
  • Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures
]]> A conversation with Dr Carrie Goucher. Carrie helps people transform meetings and meeting culture. She has redesigned how we meet for the collaborative era, crafting meetings that are honest, focused, supportive and energising. Carrie’s PhD created an evidence-based framework for what underpins meeting success (spoiler alert: it’s not having an agenda) and her research was described as 'game changing for meeting science’.

Links:

Recommended reading:

  • Kim Scott, Radical Candour
  • Nancy Klein, Time to Think
  • Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures
]]> Digital Works / Carrie Goucher Buzzsprout-14098296 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 2545 1 39 full false Episode 038 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #4 - exploring 50 years of the internet, the ChatGPT store (and associated soap opera), the death of the social internet, and a polemic about SEO Episode 038 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #4 - exploring 50 years of the internet, the ChatGPT store (and associated soap opera), the death of the social internet, and a polemic about SEO The fourth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (actually 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on November 10th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The fourth in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 (actually 4) things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on November 10th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Buzzsprout-13801038 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000 1397 1 38 full true Episode 037 - Zoe Williams (Vagina Museum) on crowdfunding, owning your niche, building a community, dealing with censorship, ignoring the trolls, and having a sense of humour Episode 037 - Zoe Williams (Vagina Museum) on crowdfunding, owning your niche, building a community, dealing with censorship, ignoring the trolls, and having a sense of humour A chat with Zoe Williams, the Head of Communications and Fundraising at the Vagina Museum in London.

We discuss their successful recent crowdfunding campaign, we also explore how they've harnessed the power of digital platforms to reach a global audience, built a robust community online, and how they’ve carved out their niche in the digital sphere.

As ever this work isn't without its challenges, and Zoe doesn't shy away from discussing these.  From discussing the effects of social media censorship to unearthing their content strategy for overcoming these hurdles. to dealing with trolls and more negative online engagement.

A really fascinating, frank, and funny conversation.

You can find the Vagina Museum online via their website https://www.vaginamuseum.co.uk

]]> A chat with Zoe Williams, the Head of Communications and Fundraising at the Vagina Museum in London.

We discuss their successful recent crowdfunding campaign, we also explore how they've harnessed the power of digital platforms to reach a global audience, built a robust community online, and how they’ve carved out their niche in the digital sphere.

As ever this work isn't without its challenges, and Zoe doesn't shy away from discussing these.  From discussing the effects of social media censorship to unearthing their content strategy for overcoming these hurdles. to dealing with trolls and more negative online engagement.

A really fascinating, frank, and funny conversation.

You can find the Vagina Museum online via their website https://www.vaginamuseum.co.uk

]]> Buzzsprout-13801036 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 2289 1 37 full true Episode 036 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #3 - Exploring Twitter's transformation (/disintegration), Advances in AI, and the new Web Accessibility guidelines Episode 036 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #3 - Exploring Twitter's transformation (/disintegration), Advances in AI, and the new Web Accessibility guidelines The third in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on October 20th.

We talk about:

When we discuss ChatGPT we also touched on this piece from Kevin Roose in the New York Times, and this speech from Mo Gawdat at the Nordic Business Forum.

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> The third in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on October 20th.

We talk about:

When we discuss ChatGPT we also touched on this piece from Kevin Roose in the New York Times, and this speech from Mo Gawdat at the Nordic Business Forum.

You can sign up for the newsletter at thedigital.works.

]]> Buzzsprout-13801032 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0100 1031 1 36 full false Episode 035 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #2 on the end of the Googleverse, using AI to mod games, and digital budgeting Episode 035 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #2 on the end of the Googleverse, using AI to mod games, and digital budgeting The second in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on September 22nd.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at substrakt.com/digitalworks. 

]]> The second in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie discuss 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on September 22nd.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at substrakt.com/digitalworks. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13671086 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 02:00:00 +0100 971 1 35 full false Episode 034 - George Montagu (FT Strategies) on getting to 1 million digital subscribers, creating meaningful metrics, and working with NT at Home Episode 034 - George Montagu (FT Strategies) on getting to 1 million digital subscribers, creating meaningful metrics, and working with NT at Home A conversation with George Montagu, Head of Insights at  FT Strategies. FT Strategies is the consulting arm of the Financial Times. 

George and I talk about the shift from print to digital at the Financial Times and the related shift from ad to subscriber revenue, how leadership at the FT galvanised the entire organisation around a single goal (getting to 1 million paid subscribers in 3 years), changes in journalist workflows, the 'creative enabler' effect of digital working, the role of data and insights at the FT and creating meaningful blended metrics (and taking inspiration from Tesco Clubcard), and the work FT Strategies did with the National Theatre on the NT At Home platform.

]]> A conversation with George Montagu, Head of Insights at  FT Strategies. FT Strategies is the consulting arm of the Financial Times. 

George and I talk about the shift from print to digital at the Financial Times and the related shift from ad to subscriber revenue, how leadership at the FT galvanised the entire organisation around a single goal (getting to 1 million paid subscribers in 3 years), changes in journalist workflows, the 'creative enabler' effect of digital working, the role of data and insights at the FT and creating meaningful blended metrics (and taking inspiration from Tesco Clubcard), and the work FT Strategies did with the National Theatre on the NT At Home platform.

]]> Buzzsprout-13663317 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 01:00:00 +0100 2299 1 34 full false Episode 033 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #1 on Twitter's demise, ChatGPT's lies, and some research into social activity Episode 033 - Ash & Katie, Bytes #1 on Twitter's demise, ChatGPT's lies, and some research into social activity The first in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie will be discussing 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on August 29th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at substrakt.com/digitalworks. 

]]> The first in our new series, Bytes, where Ash and Katie will be discussing 3 things from the latest Digital Works Newsletter.

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the links in the newsletter that went out on August 29th.

We talk about:

You can sign up for the newsletter at substrakt.com/digitalworks. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13555006 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0100 1339 1 33 full false Episode 032 - Fran Sanderson (Nesta) on shifting how they support the arts, what effective funding looks like, and thinking differently about value and risk Episode 032 - Fran Sanderson (Nesta) on shifting how they support the arts, what effective funding looks like, and thinking differently about value and risk A conversation with Fran Sanderson, Director of Arts Programmes and Investments at Nesta (which was originally set up in 1998 as the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts).

Fran is in the process of exploring a major shift in the way Nesta goes about making investments in the arts.

We discuss the funding landscape for culture in the UK and the changes that need to happen. We explore  what effective funding for digital projects might look like, how the cultural sector could think differently about value, risk appetite, new business and investment models, how the sector views popularity, learning in the open, and loads more.

Here is more information about some of the programmes and schemes that we mentioned.

And here is the trailer for David Byrne's American Utopia.

]]> A conversation with Fran Sanderson, Director of Arts Programmes and Investments at Nesta (which was originally set up in 1998 as the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts).

Fran is in the process of exploring a major shift in the way Nesta goes about making investments in the arts.

We discuss the funding landscape for culture in the UK and the changes that need to happen. We explore  what effective funding for digital projects might look like, how the cultural sector could think differently about value, risk appetite, new business and investment models, how the sector views popularity, learning in the open, and loads more.

Here is more information about some of the programmes and schemes that we mentioned.

And here is the trailer for David Byrne's American Utopia.

]]> Buzzsprout-13504467 Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0100 1983 1 32 full true Episode 031 - Seb Chan (ACMI) on the power of 'digital imagination', the importance of experience-focused roles in museums, and understanding the importance of capital in predicting the future Episode 031 - Seb Chan (ACMI) on the power of 'digital imagination', the importance of experience-focused roles in museums, and understanding the importance of capital in predicting the future An incredibly wide-ranging conversation with Seb Chan, CEO and Director of ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image).

Seb talks about his background in community radio, 'looking under the hood' of the early internet, the importance of experience-focused roles in museums, the power of cultural leaders developing a 'digital imagination', understanding the importance of capital in predicting where the future is heading, and loads more.

Prior to joining ACMI as their first Chief Experience Office (CXO) in 2015, Seb led digital change projects at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum of Design in New York. Seb is Adjunct Professor, School of Media and Communications, in the College of Design and Social Context at RMIT, an international advisory board member of Art Science Museum (Singapore) and board member of the National Communications Museum (Melbourne). He is an alumnus of the Getty Leadership Institute, Salzburg Global Seminar and UNSW.

]]> An incredibly wide-ranging conversation with Seb Chan, CEO and Director of ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image).

Seb talks about his background in community radio, 'looking under the hood' of the early internet, the importance of experience-focused roles in museums, the power of cultural leaders developing a 'digital imagination', understanding the importance of capital in predicting where the future is heading, and loads more.

Prior to joining ACMI as their first Chief Experience Office (CXO) in 2015, Seb led digital change projects at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum of Design in New York. Seb is Adjunct Professor, School of Media and Communications, in the College of Design and Social Context at RMIT, an international advisory board member of Art Science Museum (Singapore) and board member of the National Communications Museum (Melbourne). He is an alumnus of the Getty Leadership Institute, Salzburg Global Seminar and UNSW.

]]> Digital Works / Seb Chan Buzzsprout-13401411 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0100 4564 Seb Chan, digital leadership, digital transformation, mentoring, arts, culture, digital 1 31 full false Episode 030 - Fiona Morris (The Space) on what makes a successful digital project, the importance of digital skills, and the meaninglessness of the word 'digital' Episode 030 - Fiona Morris (The Space) on what makes a successful digital project, the importance of digital skills, and the meaninglessness of the word 'digital' A conversation with CEO and Creative Director of The Space, Fiona Morris. 

The Space was founded in 2013 by Arts Council England and the BBC and is now an independent not-for-profit organisation. The Space's primary goal is to enable the arts, culture and heritage sector to engage audiences using digital and broadcast content and platforms. Over the last 6 years The Space has commissioned 300+ digital projects from arts organisations around the UK. 

Fiona and I discuss what makes a successful digital project, how digital programming requires a shift in thinking, the importance digital skills, rethinking value propositions, investment, and the meaninglessness of the word 'digital'.

]]> A conversation with CEO and Creative Director of The Space, Fiona Morris. 

The Space was founded in 2013 by Arts Council England and the BBC and is now an independent not-for-profit organisation. The Space's primary goal is to enable the arts, culture and heritage sector to engage audiences using digital and broadcast content and platforms. Over the last 6 years The Space has commissioned 300+ digital projects from arts organisations around the UK. 

Fiona and I discuss what makes a successful digital project, how digital programming requires a shift in thinking, the importance digital skills, rethinking value propositions, investment, and the meaninglessness of the word 'digital'.

]]> Buzzsprout-11837698 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0100 3271 1 30 full false Episode 029 - Maaike Verberk (DEN) on digital transformation, the importance of new ideas, understanding your audience, and the traits of digitally confident organisations Episode 029 - Maaike Verberk (DEN) on digital transformation, the importance of new ideas, understanding your audience, and the traits of digitally confident organisations A chat with Maaike Verberk, Managing Director of DEN, the Dutch Knowledge Institute for Culture & Digital Transformation. 

We talked about digital transformation, the importance of being open to new ideas, the value of really understanding your audiences, the traits of organisations where good digital stuff is happening, and loads more.

]]> A chat with Maaike Verberk, Managing Director of DEN, the Dutch Knowledge Institute for Culture & Digital Transformation. 

We talked about digital transformation, the importance of being open to new ideas, the value of really understanding your audiences, the traits of organisations where good digital stuff is happening, and loads more.

]]> Buzzsprout-11837692 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000 2681 1 29 full false Episode 028 - Hilary Knight (AEA) on the importance of team culture, the value of being entertaining, and the strategic role of digital Episode 028 - Hilary Knight (AEA) on the importance of team culture, the value of being entertaining, and the strategic role of digital A great chat with Hilary Knight. We talk about the importance of team culture, the value of trying to be entertaining, the rigidity of the career paths into leadership positions in the cultural sector, the strategic importance of digital ambition, and loads more.

Hilary is a Senior Consultant at AEA Consulting and is the former Director of Digital at Tate. Prior to joining Tate, Hilary worked in a variety of digital and commissioning roles at the BBC and Channel 4.

]]> A great chat with Hilary Knight. We talk about the importance of team culture, the value of trying to be entertaining, the rigidity of the career paths into leadership positions in the cultural sector, the strategic importance of digital ambition, and loads more.

Hilary is a Senior Consultant at AEA Consulting and is the former Director of Digital at Tate. Prior to joining Tate, Hilary worked in a variety of digital and commissioning roles at the BBC and Channel 4.

]]> Buzzsprout-11837696 Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 2908 1 28 full false Episode 027 - Dr Richard Misek (University of Kent) on his research into digital culture during the pandemic, the economics of digital activity, and the access benefits of digital Episode 027 - Dr Richard Misek (University of Kent) on his research into digital culture during the pandemic, the economics of digital activity, and the access benefits of digital Dr Richard Misek is a Senior Lecturer in Film, School of Arts at the University of Kent. He is a film-maker and researcher, and was the Principal Investigator on the Arts and Humanities Research Council project, ‘Digital Access to Arts and Culture Beyond COVID-19’, in partnership with Arts Council England and digital arts agency The Space.

It's through this research project that I first became aware of and got in touch with Richard, and we discuss the findings of his research, the structural problems around the economics of digital cultural activity, the accessibility benefits of working in this way, and much more.

You can find out more about the research project via the project's website https://digiaccessarts.org/ 

]]> Dr Richard Misek is a Senior Lecturer in Film, School of Arts at the University of Kent. He is a film-maker and researcher, and was the Principal Investigator on the Arts and Humanities Research Council project, ‘Digital Access to Arts and Culture Beyond COVID-19’, in partnership with Arts Council England and digital arts agency The Space.

It's through this research project that I first became aware of and got in touch with Richard, and we discuss the findings of his research, the structural problems around the economics of digital cultural activity, the accessibility benefits of working in this way, and much more.

You can find out more about the research project via the project's website https://digiaccessarts.org/ 

]]> Buzzsprout-11368434 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0000 2857 1 27 full false Episode 026 - Nick Sherrard (Label Ventures) on experimentation and innovation, risk models, new approaches to partnership, and why some organisations might deserve to die Episode 026 - Nick Sherrard (Label Ventures) on experimentation and innovation, risk models, new approaches to partnership, and why some organisations might deserve to die A conversation with Nick Sherrard about experimentation and innovation. Nick is a Partner at Label Ventures, which is a venture studio in Edinburgh. Nick has held a number innovation and strategy-focused roles in the commercial sector as well as production and administration-focused roles in the cultural sector. We talk about risk models, nurturing a culture of innovation, new approaches to partnership and funding, and why some organisations might deserve to die.

]]> A conversation with Nick Sherrard about experimentation and innovation. Nick is a Partner at Label Ventures, which is a venture studio in Edinburgh. Nick has held a number innovation and strategy-focused roles in the commercial sector as well as production and administration-focused roles in the cultural sector. We talk about risk models, nurturing a culture of innovation, new approaches to partnership and funding, and why some organisations might deserve to die.

]]> Buzzsprout-11655390 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000 3061 1 26 full false Episode 025 - Kati Price (V&A) reflecting on the impact of the pandemic on digital thinking, teams, and hiring, the importance of leadership, and being excited about the future Episode 025 - Kati Price (V&A) reflecting on the impact of the pandemic on digital thinking, teams, and hiring, the importance of leadership, and being excited about the future Our first returning guest! Another brilliant conversation with Kati Price. Kati is Head of Digital Media and Publishing at Victoria and Albert Museum in London and was one of the first guests I had on the podcast back in early 2020 (that chat is now our most listened-to episode).

We reflect on the turmoil (and progress) of the last two years, the impact that the pandemic has had on the thinking around digital in the cultural sector, the challenges everyone is facing around retaining and hiring people, the importance of good leadership, and what she is excited about for the future.

Oh and Beyonce, we talk about Beyonce too.

]]> Our first returning guest! Another brilliant conversation with Kati Price. Kati is Head of Digital Media and Publishing at Victoria and Albert Museum in London and was one of the first guests I had on the podcast back in early 2020 (that chat is now our most listened-to episode).

We reflect on the turmoil (and progress) of the last two years, the impact that the pandemic has had on the thinking around digital in the cultural sector, the challenges everyone is facing around retaining and hiring people, the importance of good leadership, and what she is excited about for the future.

Oh and Beyonce, we talk about Beyonce too.

]]> Buzzsprout-11121273 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0100 2429 1 25 full false Episode 024 - Nicholas Triantafyllou (National Theatre) on the importance of collaboration, what good leadership looks like, and the origins of NT at Home Episode 024 - Nicholas Triantafyllou (National Theatre) on the importance of collaboration, what good leadership looks like, and the origins of NT at Home A lovely chat with Nicholas Triantafyllou. Nicholas is the Director of Information Technology at the National Theatre and has previously held technology and systems-focused leadership roles at the Southbank Centre and the Barbican.

We explored the importance of collaboration, what good leadership looks like, the challenge of getting things done in big institutions, how NT At Home happened, and lots more.

]]> A lovely chat with Nicholas Triantafyllou. Nicholas is the Director of Information Technology at the National Theatre and has previously held technology and systems-focused leadership roles at the Southbank Centre and the Barbican.

We explored the importance of collaboration, what good leadership looks like, the challenge of getting things done in big institutions, how NT At Home happened, and lots more.

]]> Buzzsprout-11121262 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0100 2644 1 24 full false Episode 023 - Annette Mees (Audience Labs) on technology in cultural experiences, and hyper-reality opera Episode 023 - Annette Mees (Audience Labs) on technology in cultural experiences, and hyper-reality opera A conversation with Annette Mees, Annette is an award-winning artistic director, creative producer and cultural strategist.

Annette used to be Artistic Director of Coney (an award-winning company of adventure and play which put the audience at the centre of every experience), she ran Audience Labs at the Royal Opera House. She is currently Artistic Director of Audience Labs & Visiting Senior Research Fellow in Culture and Creative Industries at King's College London, and is also the Chair of the FutureEverything a year-round cultural programme, that brings people together to discover, share and experience new ideas for the future.

We discuss the use of technology in cultural experiences, we also discuss Current, Rising which is a hyper-reality opera that Annette made whilst at ROH (I discussed this project in Episode 018 with Eva Liparova, who was a producer on the project, listen to that conversation).

]]> A conversation with Annette Mees, Annette is an award-winning artistic director, creative producer and cultural strategist.

Annette used to be Artistic Director of Coney (an award-winning company of adventure and play which put the audience at the centre of every experience), she ran Audience Labs at the Royal Opera House. She is currently Artistic Director of Audience Labs & Visiting Senior Research Fellow in Culture and Creative Industries at King's College London, and is also the Chair of the FutureEverything a year-round cultural programme, that brings people together to discover, share and experience new ideas for the future.

We discuss the use of technology in cultural experiences, we also discuss Current, Rising which is a hyper-reality opera that Annette made whilst at ROH (I discussed this project in Episode 018 with Eva Liparova, who was a producer on the project, listen to that conversation).

]]> Buzzsprout-11121237 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0100 3245 1 23 full true Episode 022 - Stuart Buchanan (Sydney Opera House) on new ways of engaging with artists, institutional dynamics, and responding to the pandemic Episode 022 - Stuart Buchanan (Sydney Opera House) on new ways of engaging with artists, institutional dynamics, and responding to the pandemic Back after a bit of a break with a chat with the Sydney Opera House's Head of Digital Programming, Stuart Buchanan. 

We chat rave culture, the Royal Court Theatre's website in the 1990s, employing digital to explore new ways of engaging with artists, wrangling institutional dynamics, responses to the pandemic and loads more.

Stuart has worked with organisations such as ABC, Disney, SBS, Sydney Festival, The Guardian, MONA, Royal Court Theatre and TED, and as founder of digital cultural agency The Nest. He has presented radio programs and podcasts on ABC Double J, FBi Radio and London's Resonance FM, and is the curator of the New Weird Australia music initiative.

]]> Back after a bit of a break with a chat with the Sydney Opera House's Head of Digital Programming, Stuart Buchanan. 

We chat rave culture, the Royal Court Theatre's website in the 1990s, employing digital to explore new ways of engaging with artists, wrangling institutional dynamics, responses to the pandemic and loads more.

Stuart has worked with organisations such as ABC, Disney, SBS, Sydney Festival, The Guardian, MONA, Royal Court Theatre and TED, and as founder of digital cultural agency The Nest. He has presented radio programs and podcasts on ABC Double J, FBi Radio and London's Resonance FM, and is the curator of the New Weird Australia music initiative.

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-11022187 Mon, 25 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0100 3143 1 22 full false Episode 021 - Patrick Fox (Heart of Glass) on digital adoption, serendipity, and the digital divide Episode 021 - Patrick Fox (Heart of Glass) on digital adoption, serendipity, and the digital divide In this episode we chat with Heart Of Glass CEO, Patrick Fox.

Heart Of Glass are a St Helens, Merseyside-based collaborative and social arts agency. They work "with artists and community groups, young people, asylum seekers and refugees, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, older people and communities of all kinds" to "support each other – and learn from each other – on creative journeys of enquiry and exploration."

We chatted about how the organisation's use of digital has shifted over the pandemic, how you can create digital serendipity, the digital divide, and much more

]]> In this episode we chat with Heart Of Glass CEO, Patrick Fox.

Heart Of Glass are a St Helens, Merseyside-based collaborative and social arts agency. They work "with artists and community groups, young people, asylum seekers and refugees, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, older people and communities of all kinds" to "support each other – and learn from each other – on creative journeys of enquiry and exploration."

We chatted about how the organisation's use of digital has shifted over the pandemic, how you can create digital serendipity, the digital divide, and much more

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-9550209 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000 2882 1 21 full true Episode 020 - Drew Graham (Barclays) on the similarities betwee the banking and cultural sectors, leadership, digital transformation, and the pace of change Episode 020 - Drew Graham (Barclays) on the similarities betwee the banking and cultural sectors, leadership, digital transformation, and the pace of change A really enjoyable chat with my pal, Drew. We compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the banking and cultural sectors.

Drew in his own words is "a serial entrepreneur turned banker; a sheep in wolf’s clothing. He recently left Barclays where he was Director of Digital Strategy since 2019. He was previously the Head of Platform for the Standard Chartered Virtual Bank in Hong Kong. He joined Standard Chartered as Director of Fintech Strategy and Engagement in 2016. Before renting his soul, he founded and led a financial inclusion payments company in Indonesia, a financial services Cloud services company in Hong Kong, an oil and gas technology infrastructure company in Papua New Guinea, a data analytics startup in Berlin and a zip line in Singapore." 


]]> A really enjoyable chat with my pal, Drew. We compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the banking and cultural sectors.

Drew in his own words is "a serial entrepreneur turned banker; a sheep in wolf’s clothing. He recently left Barclays where he was Director of Digital Strategy since 2019. He was previously the Head of Platform for the Standard Chartered Virtual Bank in Hong Kong. He joined Standard Chartered as Director of Fintech Strategy and Engagement in 2016. Before renting his soul, he founded and led a financial inclusion payments company in Indonesia, a financial services Cloud services company in Hong Kong, an oil and gas technology infrastructure company in Papua New Guinea, a data analytics startup in Berlin and a zip line in Singapore." 


]]> Digital Works / Drew Graham Buzzsprout-8968901 Tue, 03 Aug 2021 17:00:00 +0100 4397 digital works, drew graham, fintech, cultural sector, digital disruption, digital transformation, digital change 1 20 full true Episode 019 - Simon Baker (Wise Children) on taking a DIY approach to digital, the potential of audio for storytelling, and understanding signal flow Episode 019 - Simon Baker (Wise Children) on taking a DIY approach to digital, the potential of audio for storytelling, and understanding signal flow A lovely chat with Wise Children's Technical Director, Simon Baker. We talk about Simon's career, the DIY approach that Wise Children have taken to their digital activity, why the "bodge it" skills you learn doing audio are useful in a digital context, the potential of audio experiences for storytelling, understanding signal flow, and loads more. 

]]> A lovely chat with Wise Children's Technical Director, Simon Baker. We talk about Simon's career, the DIY approach that Wise Children have taken to their digital activity, why the "bodge it" skills you learn doing audio are useful in a digital context, the potential of audio experiences for storytelling, understanding signal flow, and loads more. 

]]> Digital Works / Simon Baker Buzzsprout-8376083 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0100 3117 live streaming, digital audio, digital, digital works, simon baker, wise children, digital audiences 1 19 full false Episode 018 - Eva Liparova on remote creative teams, technologists and theatre practitioners working together, and designing your audience experience Episode 018 - Eva Liparova on remote creative teams, technologists and theatre practitioners working together, and designing your audience experience We're back! A conversation with theatre producer and digital product manager, Eva Liparova about the 'hyper reality opera experience' that she worked on with the Royal Opera House last year. This was a fascinating conversation which explored remote creative teams, technologists and theatre practitioners working together, creative uses of new technologies, how you design audience experiences and expectations and lots more.

]]> We're back! A conversation with theatre producer and digital product manager, Eva Liparova about the 'hyper reality opera experience' that she worked on with the Royal Opera House last year. This was a fascinating conversation which explored remote creative teams, technologists and theatre practitioners working together, creative uses of new technologies, how you design audience experiences and expectations and lots more.

]]> Digital Works / Eva Liparova Buzzsprout-8283891 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0100 3341 eva liparova, digital art, audiences, content, formats, virtual reality, vr, digital works 1 18 full true Episode 017 - Robin Cantrill-Fenwick (Baker Richards) on pricing and distributing digital activity, segmentation models, and consumer psychology Episode 017 - Robin Cantrill-Fenwick (Baker Richards) on pricing and distributing digital activity, segmentation models, and consumer psychology We sit down with Robin Cantrill-Fenwick, CEO of Baker Richards, to discuss the findings of their Culture Restart audience sentiment tracker. We explore how audiences are feeling about returning to in-person cultural experiences (whenever that may be), emerging insights around pricing and distribution of digital content, segmentation models, and consumer psychology.

]]> We sit down with Robin Cantrill-Fenwick, CEO of Baker Richards, to discuss the findings of their Culture Restart audience sentiment tracker. We explore how audiences are feeling about returning to in-person cultural experiences (whenever that may be), emerging insights around pricing and distribution of digital content, segmentation models, and consumer psychology.

]]> Digital Works / Robin Cantrill-Fenwick Buzzsprout-6948998 Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000 3758 data, research, digital, digital works, robin cantrill-fenwick, baker richards, digital audiences, commercialisation, segmentation 1 17 full false Episode 016 - Matt Locke (Storythings) on remote audiences, attention patterns, formats, and shifts in behaviour Episode 016 - Matt Locke (Storythings) on remote audiences, attention patterns, formats, and shifts in behaviour A conversation with one of the Directors of Storythings, Matt Locke. We discuss digital audiences, attention patterns, formats, shifts in behaviour, and loads more.

Matt has held senior positions at Channel 4 and the BBC, been a curator of a gallery, set up and run digital art programmes, and attend Glasgow School of Art in the early 90s. He has a fascinating perspective on content and audiences and his blog is well worth a read https://howtomeasureghosts.substack.com/

]]> A conversation with one of the Directors of Storythings, Matt Locke. We discuss digital audiences, attention patterns, formats, shifts in behaviour, and loads more.

Matt has held senior positions at Channel 4 and the BBC, been a curator of a gallery, set up and run digital art programmes, and attend Glasgow School of Art in the early 90s. He has a fascinating perspective on content and audiences and his blog is well worth a read https://howtomeasureghosts.substack.com/

]]> Digital Works / Matt Locke Buzzsprout-6612694 Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000 3273 matt locke, digital art, audiences, content, formats, attention patterns, digital works 1 16 full false Episode 015 - Dr Kirsty Sedgman (University of Bristol) on audience experience, theatre etiquette, excluded audiences, and the democratising potential of digital Episode 015 - Dr Kirsty Sedgman (University of Bristol) on audience experience, theatre etiquette, excluded audiences, and the democratising potential of digital In this episode I speak with award-winning cultural studies scholar, Dr Kirsty Sedgman. We talk about the audience experience - particularly within a digital context, theatre etiquette campaigns, excluded audiences, the democratising potential of digital, and how we understand the 'value' of cultural experiences. 

]]> In this episode I speak with award-winning cultural studies scholar, Dr Kirsty Sedgman. We talk about the audience experience - particularly within a digital context, theatre etiquette campaigns, excluded audiences, the democratising potential of digital, and how we understand the 'value' of cultural experiences. 

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-6356731 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:00:00 +0000 2549 1 15 full false Episode 014 - Ankur Bahl (Sadler's Wells) on structuring digital teams, spending time on storytelling, choosing the right platforms, and audience responses to digital programming Episode 014 - Ankur Bahl (Sadler's Wells) on structuring digital teams, spending time on storytelling, choosing the right platforms, and audience responses to digital programming A conversation with Sadler's Wells' Head of Content & Audiences, Ankur Bahl. 

We chat about structuring digital teams, spending time focusing on storytelling, choosing the right content approach for each platform, the initiatives Sadler's Wells has tried during lockdown (and how audiences responded), and their plans for the future.

]]> A conversation with Sadler's Wells' Head of Content & Audiences, Ankur Bahl. 

We chat about structuring digital teams, spending time focusing on storytelling, choosing the right content approach for each platform, the initiatives Sadler's Wells has tried during lockdown (and how audiences responded), and their plans for the future.

]]> Digital Works / Ankur Bahl Buzzsprout-5890519 Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0100 2241 digital works, digital strategy, content strategy, digital audiences, ankur bahl, sadler's wells 1 14 full false Episode 013 - Linda Spurdle (Birmingham Museums Trust) on opening up access to their collection images, and working with Cold War Steve Episode 013 - Linda Spurdle (Birmingham Museums Trust) on opening up access to their collection images, and working with Cold War Steve We sit down with Linda Spurdle, Digital Development Manager at Birmingham Museums Trust to talk about their recent Cut, Copy, Remix project which came about after they opened up access to their image library. The Cut, Copy, Remix project saw them working with artists including Cold War Steve, the Black Hole Club to reimagine images from the Museums' collection.

Linda is a brilliant interviewee, honest and refreshing in her candour about what did, and didn't work, and why.

You can see one of the images Cold War Steve made for the project here https://www.thesocial.com/bennys-babbies/

]]> We sit down with Linda Spurdle, Digital Development Manager at Birmingham Museums Trust to talk about their recent Cut, Copy, Remix project which came about after they opened up access to their image library. The Cut, Copy, Remix project saw them working with artists including Cold War Steve, the Black Hole Club to reimagine images from the Museums' collection.

Linda is a brilliant interviewee, honest and refreshing in her candour about what did, and didn't work, and why.

You can see one of the images Cold War Steve made for the project here https://www.thesocial.com/bennys-babbies/

]]> Digital Works Buzzsprout-5553133 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:00:00 +0100 2888 1 13 full false Episode 012 - Aled John (Condé Nast) on fostering a culture of innovation, risk taking, and digital subscribers Episode 012 - Aled John (Condé Nast) on fostering a culture of innovation, risk taking, and digital subscribers Aled is Head of Membership Strategy at Condé Nast and has previously worked at the Guardian and ITN. He also founded the payment solutions startup, PayTogether. We talk about fostering a culture of innovation, risk taking, structuring digital teams, digital businesses and loads more.

]]> Aled is Head of Membership Strategy at Condé Nast and has previously worked at the Guardian and ITN. He also founded the payment solutions startup, PayTogether. We talk about fostering a culture of innovation, risk taking, structuring digital teams, digital businesses and loads more.

]]> Digital Works / Aled John Buzzsprout-5331478 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 17:00:00 +0100 3171 digital strategy, digital culture, digital mindset, digital works, innovation, Aled John 1 12 full true Episode 011 - David Collins (Opera North) on digital strategy, keeping audiences engaged, the nature of opera in the 21st century, and clarity of purpose Episode 011 - David Collins (Opera North) on digital strategy, keeping audiences engaged, the nature of opera in the 21st century, and clarity of purpose We sit down with Opera North's Director of External Affairs, David Collins. We look at how strategic thinking that has been developed over recent years has underpinned how they have used digital to respond to the current crisis, keeping audiences engaged, retaining a connection to local communities, the nature of opera in the 21st century, how the organisation has arrived at a clear sense of purpose and self, fostering a culture of experimentation, and loads more.

David also wrote an article to accompany this conversation which you can read on Substrkat's website https://substrakt.com/journal/guest-post-digital-strategy-and-responding-to-the-covid-crisis-at-opera-north 

]]> We sit down with Opera North's Director of External Affairs, David Collins. We look at how strategic thinking that has been developed over recent years has underpinned how they have used digital to respond to the current crisis, keeping audiences engaged, retaining a connection to local communities, the nature of opera in the 21st century, how the organisation has arrived at a clear sense of purpose and self, fostering a culture of experimentation, and loads more.

David also wrote an article to accompany this conversation which you can read on Substrkat's website https://substrakt.com/journal/guest-post-digital-strategy-and-responding-to-the-covid-crisis-at-opera-north 

]]> Buzzsprout-4682315 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:00:00 +0100 3104 1 11 full false Episode 010 - Abby Corfan (Donmar Warehouse) on reimagining work for digital delivery, recreating shared experiences, donations, and remote working Episode 010 - Abby Corfan (Donmar Warehouse) on reimagining work for digital delivery, recreating shared experiences, donations, and remote working A conversation with the Donmar Warehouse's Director of Marketing, Abby Corfan. We discuss what life has been like at the Donmar during lockdown, our discussions focused mostly on the two big digital productions the Donmar has been involved with; a reworking of Adam Brace's play, Midnight Your Time, and their involvement in the National Theatre's NT At Home initiative with their 2014 production of Coriolanus.

We talk about the challenges (and opportunities) presented by reimagining work for digital delivery, communicating what this new type of work is, recreating shared experiences, donations, remote working, and much more

]]> A conversation with the Donmar Warehouse's Director of Marketing, Abby Corfan. We discuss what life has been like at the Donmar during lockdown, our discussions focused mostly on the two big digital productions the Donmar has been involved with; a reworking of Adam Brace's play, Midnight Your Time, and their involvement in the National Theatre's NT At Home initiative with their 2014 production of Coriolanus.

We talk about the challenges (and opportunities) presented by reimagining work for digital delivery, communicating what this new type of work is, recreating shared experiences, donations, remote working, and much more

]]> Digital Works / Abby Corfan Buzzsprout-4549358 Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:00:00 +0100 3217 digital works, digital theatre, streaming, communication strategy, online giving 1 10 full false Episode 009 - Hannah Hethmon (Better Lemon Creative Audio) on the history of podcasting in the cultural sector, the elements of a good podcast, and the unique relationship between podcast hosts and listeners Episode 009 - Hannah Hethmon (Better Lemon Creative Audio) on the history of podcasting in the cultural sector, the elements of a good podcast, and the unique relationship between podcast hosts and listeners Featuring a conversation with podcast host, producer, consultant and writer, Hannah Hethmon. We look at the history of podcasting in the cultural sector, the elements of a good podcast, how podcasts could (and should) be approached by institutions, the unique relationship that can be achieved between a host and their podcast listeners and loads more.

Hannah's book Your Museum Needs a Podcast: A Step-By-Step Guide to Podcasting on a Budget for Museums, History Organizations, and Cultural Nonprofits is still available to buy and Hannah's Digital Works #10 talk can be watched on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt7Ul_Lxzk4

]]> Featuring a conversation with podcast host, producer, consultant and writer, Hannah Hethmon. We look at the history of podcasting in the cultural sector, the elements of a good podcast, how podcasts could (and should) be approached by institutions, the unique relationship that can be achieved between a host and their podcast listeners and loads more.

Hannah's book Your Museum Needs a Podcast: A Step-By-Step Guide to Podcasting on a Budget for Museums, History Organizations, and Cultural Nonprofits is still available to buy and Hannah's Digital Works #10 talk can be watched on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt7Ul_Lxzk4

]]> Digital Works / Hannah Hethmon Buzzsprout-4326485 Fri, 26 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0100 3985 museums, podcasting, digital culture, digital mindset, digital content, Hannah Hethmon, digital works 1 9 full false Episode 008 - Molly Barson and Will Cantler (MCC Theater) on learning how to do digital work, rehearsals in quarantine, the benefits of live chat, and reaching new audiences Episode 008 - Molly Barson and Will Cantler (MCC Theater) on learning how to do digital work, rehearsals in quarantine, the benefits of live chat, and reaching new audiences We sit down with MCC Theater's Artistic Director, Will Cantler, and Digital Marketing Manager, Molly Barson, to delve into their recent digital production of Alan Bowne’s Beirut starring Marisa Tomei and Oscar Isaac https://mcctheater.org/tix/beirut-benefit-play-reading/. 

They speak openly about what they learned working in this way for the first time, what worked (and what didn't) and the surprises they encountered along the way. We discuss how to conduct rehearsals in quarantine, the benefits of live chat, the proportion of new audience members this reached, how to price this type of work, and loads more.

]]> We sit down with MCC Theater's Artistic Director, Will Cantler, and Digital Marketing Manager, Molly Barson, to delve into their recent digital production of Alan Bowne’s Beirut starring Marisa Tomei and Oscar Isaac https://mcctheater.org/tix/beirut-benefit-play-reading/. 

They speak openly about what they learned working in this way for the first time, what worked (and what didn't) and the surprises they encountered along the way. We discuss how to conduct rehearsals in quarantine, the benefits of live chat, the proportion of new audience members this reached, how to price this type of work, and loads more.

]]> Digital Works / Molly Barson & Will Cantler Buzzsprout-4133297 Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0100 3275 digital works, mcc theater, digital theatre, livestreaming, molly barson, will cantler 1 8 full false Episode 007 - David Burgess (Apollo Fundraising) on the state of digital fundraising, inter-departmental collaboration, the importance of human connection, and behavioural pyschology Episode 007 - David Burgess (Apollo Fundraising) on the state of digital fundraising, inter-departmental collaboration, the importance of human connection, and behavioural pyschology A conversation with cultural fundraising consultant and director of Apollo Fundraising, David Burgess. We talk about the state of digital fundraising in the sector, inter-departmental collaboration, the importance of human connection, behavioural psychology and much more.

]]> A conversation with cultural fundraising consultant and director of Apollo Fundraising, David Burgess. We talk about the state of digital fundraising in the sector, inter-departmental collaboration, the importance of human connection, behavioural psychology and much more.

]]> Digital Works / David Burgess Buzzsprout-3933017 Wed, 27 May 2020 10:00:00 +0100 3239 digital works, fundraising, culture sector, philanthropy, digital fundraising 1 7 full false Episode 006 - Chris Unitt (One Further) - live - on questioning the sector's surge in digital activity in response to the pandemic Episode 006 - Chris Unitt (One Further) - live - on questioning the sector's surge in digital activity in response to the pandemic In this special 'live' recording of the podcast (a Zoom webinar with an audience of around 100 folks from around the world joining us) Ash discusses the sector's recent pivot to digital with One Further's Chris Unitt (https://onefurther.com/about).

This conversation came about following Chris's recent blog post https://www.chrisunitt.co.uk/2020/04/questions-about-the-cultural-sectors-pivot-to-digital/ which poses a number of questions around the how, what, why (and more) of the sudden surge in digital activity brought on by the Coronavirus crisis.

In our chat, Chris references David Sabel's talk at our Digital Works #10 event back in April 2020 (you can watch/listen to that here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5yJt64rJpk&list=PLIvMezMER7izAGsQIheZWi4tOa24NcSVT).

]]> In this special 'live' recording of the podcast (a Zoom webinar with an audience of around 100 folks from around the world joining us) Ash discusses the sector's recent pivot to digital with One Further's Chris Unitt (https://onefurther.com/about).

This conversation came about following Chris's recent blog post https://www.chrisunitt.co.uk/2020/04/questions-about-the-cultural-sectors-pivot-to-digital/ which poses a number of questions around the how, what, why (and more) of the sudden surge in digital activity brought on by the Coronavirus crisis.

In our chat, Chris references David Sabel's talk at our Digital Works #10 event back in April 2020 (you can watch/listen to that here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5yJt64rJpk&list=PLIvMezMER7izAGsQIheZWi4tOa24NcSVT).

]]> Digital Works / Chris Unitt Buzzsprout-3656239 Thu, 07 May 2020 10:00:00 +0100 4931 digital strategy, museums, galleries, performance, theatre, content strategy, mission, audience-focused, strategy development, digital culture, digital mindset, Chris Unitt, digital works 1 6 full false Episode 005 - Louise Cohen (Royal Academy of Arts) on the importance of strategy, and getting institutional buy-in Episode 005 - Louise Cohen (Royal Academy of Arts) on the importance of strategy, and getting institutional buy-in A conversation with Louise Cohen, Head of Digital Content & Channels at the Royal Academy of Arts. We talk about the importance of strategy, how to embed strategies across an institution. Louise's background as a journalist, storytelling, the expansion of the RA's digital capacity, the content projects she's proudest of and more.

Louise's work on content strategy at the RA won a GLAMi Award in 2017 https://www.museweb.net/winners-of-2017-glami-awards-announced/.

]]> A conversation with Louise Cohen, Head of Digital Content & Channels at the Royal Academy of Arts. We talk about the importance of strategy, how to embed strategies across an institution. Louise's background as a journalist, storytelling, the expansion of the RA's digital capacity, the content projects she's proudest of and more.

Louise's work on content strategy at the RA won a GLAMi Award in 2017 https://www.museweb.net/winners-of-2017-glami-awards-announced/.

]]> Digital Works / Louise Cohen Buzzsprout-3564880 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0100 2695 digital strategy, museums, galleries, content strategy, storytelling, audience-focused, strategy development, digital culture, digital mindset, royal academy of arts, RA, Louise Cohen, digital works 1 5 full false Episode 004 - Kati Price (V&A) on how digital teams are structured, leadership, investment, and digital storytelling Episode 004 - Kati Price (V&A) on how digital teams are structured, leadership, investment, and digital storytelling A conversation with the Victoria & Albert Museum's Head of Digital, Kati Price.

We talk about the elements of digital success, Kati's work researching how digital teams are structured at cultural institutions, digital storytelling, Kati's career to date and much more.

You can find more information about Kati and Dafydd's research on the Museums & the Web site https://mw18.mwconf.org/paper/structuring-for-digital-success-a-global-survey-of-how-museums-and-other-cultural-organisations-resource-fund-and-structure-their-digital-teams-and-activity/

]]> A conversation with the Victoria & Albert Museum's Head of Digital, Kati Price.

We talk about the elements of digital success, Kati's work researching how digital teams are structured at cultural institutions, digital storytelling, Kati's career to date and much more.

You can find more information about Kati and Dafydd's research on the Museums & the Web site https://mw18.mwconf.org/paper/structuring-for-digital-success-a-global-survey-of-how-museums-and-other-cultural-organisations-resource-fund-and-structure-their-digital-teams-and-activity/

]]> Digital Works / Kati Price Buzzsprout-3172633 Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:00:00 +0100 3061 digital strategy, museums, agile working, digital culture, digital mindset, victoria & albert museum, V&A, kati price, digital works 1 4 full false Episode 003 - Robin Christopherson (AbilityNet) on the power of inclusive design, and the importance of accessible products and services Episode 003 - Robin Christopherson (AbilityNet) on the power of inclusive design, and the importance of accessible products and services This episode focuses on accessibility and inclusive design as we sit down for a chat with Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet (https://abilitynet.org.uk/). Robin is a really inspiring interviewee and has lots of insightful things to say about the impact of accessible products and services.

Robin mentioned a number of initiatives during our conversation including; the Tech4Good Awards, https://www.tech4goodawards.com/.

We were slightly beset by technical gremlins and Ash having to self-isolate after returning from a trip to Italy but we've battled on. This does mean the audio quality isn't quite as crystal clear as it usually is but hopefully that doesn't cause any issues.

]]> This episode focuses on accessibility and inclusive design as we sit down for a chat with Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet (https://abilitynet.org.uk/). Robin is a really inspiring interviewee and has lots of insightful things to say about the impact of accessible products and services.

Robin mentioned a number of initiatives during our conversation including; the Tech4Good Awards, https://www.tech4goodawards.com/.

We were slightly beset by technical gremlins and Ash having to self-isolate after returning from a trip to Italy but we've battled on. This does mean the audio quality isn't quite as crystal clear as it usually is but hopefully that doesn't cause any issues.

]]> Digital Works / Robin Christopherson Buzzsprout-2990992 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:00:00 +0000 4199 digital works, accessibility, digital inclusion, inclusive design 1 3 full true Episode 002 - Katie Moffat (Audience Agency) on the usefulness of digital strategy, digital skills, and defining a digital mindset Episode 002 - Katie Moffat (Audience Agency) on the usefulness of digital strategy, digital skills, and defining a digital mindset We sit down for a chat with Head of Digital at the Audience Agency, Katie Moffat to talk about her career, her thoughts about the usefulness of a digital strategy, bridging the digital skills gap, what defines a digital mindset and more.

Cas and Ash also discuss the recently announced Digital Culture Compass (https://digitalculturecompass.org.uk/), Nesta's Digital Culture Survey (https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/digital-culture-2019/) and how artistic practice seems to remain mostly untouched by digital.

]]> We sit down for a chat with Head of Digital at the Audience Agency, Katie Moffat to talk about her career, her thoughts about the usefulness of a digital strategy, bridging the digital skills gap, what defines a digital mindset and more.

Cas and Ash also discuss the recently announced Digital Culture Compass (https://digitalculturecompass.org.uk/), Nesta's Digital Culture Survey (https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/digital-culture-2019/) and how artistic practice seems to remain mostly untouched by digital.

]]> Digital Works / Katie Moffat Buzzsprout-2803393 Fri, 21 Feb 2020 11:00:00 +0000 4393 digital strategy, nesta, digital culture, digital mindset, audience agency, katie moffat, digital works 1 2 full false Episode 001 - Mike Harris (Royal Academy of Arts) reflecting on 2 years in the sector Episode 001 - Mike Harris (Royal Academy of Arts) reflecting on 2 years in the sector In this first episode we grapple with trying to be concise, talk about recent Ofcom research around how young people are engaging with the internet, Ash speaks with Mike Harris (former Tech Lead at the Royal Academy of Arts) as he reflects on his 2 years in the sector, Andy looks back on how digital has changed over the past 14 years and we talk about the importance of mobile experiences.

]]> In this first episode we grapple with trying to be concise, talk about recent Ofcom research around how young people are engaging with the internet, Ash speaks with Mike Harris (former Tech Lead at the Royal Academy of Arts) as he reflects on his 2 years in the sector, Andy looks back on how digital has changed over the past 14 years and we talk about the importance of mobile experiences.

]]> Digital Works / Mike Harris Buzzsprout-2704111 Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:00:00 +0000 3811 1 1 full false