The findings of a major new survey have identified a ‘Cultural Digirati’ of arts and cultural organisations in England. This top 10% of organisations place more importance on digital and, compared with the rest of the sector, are more likely to have larger digital audiences and report positive impacts in all areas, in particular in financial performance
The survey, commissioned by the partners of the Digital R&D Fund for the Arts (Arts Council England, Nesta and the Arts and Humanities Research Council), suggests that this ‘digerati’ make use of a wide range of resources for advice and ideas, are more open to experimentation, and have digital skills spread throughout their teams. They are also more likely than others to prioritise research and development, and innovation.
The findings are featured in the report, Digital Culture: How arts and cultural organisations in England use technology. Nearly 900 organisations in the arts and culture sector were consulted for the research into the use of digital technology.
While digital is permeating all aspects of arts and cultural organisations’ activity, the survey found that almost three-quarters of respondents now regard digital technologies as essential to their marketing, and almost 60% view it as essential for preserving and archiving, and for their operations.
In other areas, such as creation and distribution, the picture is more variable. For example, 64% of visual arts organisations report producing ‘born digital’ artworks compared to 22% of music companies.
The majority of respondents (60%) report that digital has had a major impact on their ability to fulfil their mission effectively. In terms of impact on business models, digital technology has had more influence on operations than on revenues. 31% cite a major positive impact on their organisation’s operations, but this drops to 11% in relation to revenues and profitability.
Lower levels of activity
There are major differences across organisation type: 31% of performing arts venues report a major positive impact on revenues, compared with 3% of museums.
Museums report lower levels of activity and impact from digital technology in other areas too, including audience development and engagement. They also have lower than average levels of digital expertise and support from senior management and a lower than average focus on digital experimentation, and research and development.
Over 60% of organisations said that they are constrained by a lack of staff time and funding, while over 40% cited a lack of technical skills.
Hasan Bakhshi, Director for Creative Economy, Policy and Research, at Nesta, said: “For the first time we have a detailed account of how theatres, performance spaces, galleries and museums in England are innovating with new technologies. This evidence challenges preconceived notions about how the public engage with culture and illustrates the potentially vast dividends still to be reaped.”
To view the full survey findings visit: native.artsdigitalrnd.org.uk/digitalcultureresearch
This article was originally published on welcometosync.com
