Digital Culture Podcast

The Digital Culture Podcast is for creative and cultural professionals to get to know the Digital Culture Network team, learn how we can help your digital skills development, and find out what’s happening across the sector.In this episode, James Akers and Emma McGarry speak with Carl Stevens, Senior Manager for New Technologies and Innovation at Arts Council England, about leading successful digital projects and supporting organisations through change. Carl reflects on nearly 15 years at the Arts Council, discusses his work across digital skills programmes, AI initiatives and the Digital Culture Network, and explains why technology is often only a small part of a successful digital transformation.They explore common challenges organisations face when implementing new technology, from CRM systems and websites to email marketing, and why listening to staff, understanding audience needs and creating clear project goals are critical to success. The episode also looks at Carl's work as a trustee at Denton West End Community Library, where he has helped introduce tools such as Mailchimp and Eventbrite while balancing the realities of working with volunteers, limited resources and community needs. Through these experiences, Carl highlights the importance of combining digital tools with human connection and local knowledge.They discuss:What actually defines a digital project and what makes it successful. Why people are more important than the technology and how to bring your organisation along. Choosing the right suppliers, systems and partners for you.  New Digital Culture Network resources and templates for managing digital projects.  Practical digital transformation lessons from large-scale organisations to local libraries.  

The Digital Culture Podcast is for creative and cultural professionals to get to know the Digital Culture Network team, learn how we can help your digital skills development, and find out what’s happening across the sector.In this episode, the team speaks with Sam Kalubowila, Head of Learning and Participation at Manchester Museum, about his route into the museum sector and the work of making the museum relevant and welcoming to a wide range of people. Sam explains how the museum combines formal learning, visitor experience, volunteering, public programming and community partnerships.The conversation explores Manchester Museum’s ambition to take its collection beyond the museum walls, reduce barriers to engagement and respond to what people across Manchester want from the museum over the next decade. Sam also reflects on the museum’s complex histories, its relationship with communities, and how digital opportunities can complement in-person experiences.They discuss:How Manchester Museum’s learning and participation teams connect with schools, visitors, volunteers and community groups.Taking collection objects and experiences beyond the museum building to reach people who may face barriers to visiting.The museum’s developing ten-year strategy and the public consultation that helped shape it.Creating a welcoming space for communities, including through celebrations and events connected to religious calendars.How digital engagement can support, rather than replace, the value of in-person connection.

In this episode, James Akers and co-host Jack Roscoe speak with Sam Davies, Systems and Processes Business Partner at Black Country Living Museum, and Kam Downing, Head of Digital at English National Ballet. Together they explore the realities of large-scale digital transformation projects, from replacing legacy ticketing and CRM systems to improving visitor experiences and empowering staff through technology.Drawing on experiences from two very different cultural organisations, Sam and Kam share lessons learned about change management, stakeholder engagement, procurement, data strategy, and building confidence across teams during periods of significant change.They discuss:How to identify when existing technology is no longer supporting organisational goals.The importance of involving staff early and creating shared ownership of change.Balancing visitor needs, staff requirements and organisational priorities when implementing new systems.Music by ⁠⁠SHARFurther supportThe Digital Culture Network is here to support you and your organisation. Our Tech Champions can provide free one-to-one support to all creative and cultural organisations who are in receipt of, or eligible for, Arts Council England funding. If you need help or would like to chat with us about any of the advice we have covered above, please get in touch.For our latest updates, join our mailing list and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, James Akers and co-host Adam Sykes speak with Ankur Bahl, actor, writer, consultant and former Director of Digital Stage and Studio at Sadler’s Wells. Together they discuss how cultural organisations can approach digital transformation, understand evolving audience expectations, and make better use of data and technology. Ankur also shares his perspective on AI, organisational change, and the importance of creating authentic connections with audiences. They discuss: Why digital transformation is about people, processes and strategy, not just technology How cultural organisations can better understand audience behaviour and meet rising expectations The role of AI in arts organisations and why leaders need governance rather than avoidance Links and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Responsible AI Practical Toolkit from Arts Council EnglandFollow Ankur on Instagram and LinkedInMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR Further support The Digital Culture Network is here to support you and your organisation. Our Tech Champions can provide free one-to-one support to all creative and cultural organisations who are in receipt of, or eligible for, Arts Council England funding. If you need help or would like to chat with us about any of the advice we have covered above, please get in touch. For our latest updates, join our mailing list and follow us on LinkedIn.

The Digital Culture Podcast is for creative and cultural professionals to get to know the Digital Culture Network team, learn how we can help your digital skills development, and find out what’s happening across the sector. In this episode, James Akers speaks to digital marketing expert Adam Koszary about how social media has evolved and what it means for cultural organisations today. They discuss the importance of clear strategy, authentic tone of voice, and creating engaging content that connects with different audiences. Adam also shares practical advice for small teams on balancing creativity, resources and expectations in an increasingly complex digital landscape. They discuss: Why having a clear focus and strategy is essential in today’s algorithm-driven social platforms How to develop an authentic tone of voice that resonates with different audiences Practical ways small teams can create effective content without chasing viral success Links and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)  Find out more about Adam on his website Subscribe to Adam’s newsletter Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode of the Digital Culture Podcast, James Akers speaks to Tech Champions Dean Shaw and Adam Sykes to explore how organisations can use the tools they already have to better understand, reach, and engage their audiences. From simple content creation techniques to practical Customer Relationship Management (CRM) automations, the conversation highlights how even small teams with tight budgets can make big improvements to their audience journeys.They discuss: How using content at the right time can create more engaging communicationWhy you don't need big budgets for high-impact contentWhat CRM automations and personalisation options can help audiences feel more connected to your organisationLinks and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Indigo Ltd Museums and Galleries BenchmarkSubstrakt 2025 Benchmark ReportMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR 

In this episode four Tech Champions reflect on their experience at the 2026 REMIX Summit in London – a fast‑paced, future‑focused gathering exploring innovation across the creative industries. Their conversation highlights themes that stayed with them a month later: the growing value of authenticity in a digital world, the resurgence of “slow culture,” the structural challenges around class and access, the recognition of Digital Arts as a new art form by Arts Council England, and the expanding role of creative health.They discuss: How authenticity and “slow culture” are gaining momentumWhy Arts Council England’s announcement was met with excitementCreative health and digital wellbeing tools are on the riseLinks and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)REMIX Summit London 2026Digital Arts becomes Arts Council England’s tenth supported artformMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR 

In this episode of the Digital Culture Podcast, James Akers speaks with Katy Farrell and Nicola Barratt, the Social Media Tech Champions, on the whirlwind of digital change in 2025 and look ahead to what 2026 will bring. They unpack everything from AI slop flooding our feeds, to the rise of vertical video, evolving engagement metrics, the increasing role of search across social platforms, and the wellbeing challenges faced by social media managers.They discuss: Why audiences increasingly value real people and real storiesHow social search is transforming content discoveryWhat steps can be taken to avoid staff burnoutLinks and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Newsletters to keep up to date on social:Dan Slee’s weekly newsletterMatt Navarra’s Geekout NewsletterDigital Culture Network newsletterConnect with Katy and Nicola on LinkedIn:Katy FarrellNicola BarrattGreat content examples:Creating Paddington’s oranges from Alice Esme GreenacreSmashing pumpkins from Royal ArmouriesTraitors round table from National Museums ScotlandTK Maxx trend from Thackray Museum of MedicineEmplifi 2026 report – findings from a survey of more than 560 marketersMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR 

This episode of the Digital Culture Podcast flips the script as Jack Roscoe takes over hosting duties and interviews James Akers, Tech Champion for Data Analytics and Insight. James shares his journey into the role, the importance of data in the creative and cultural sector, and practical advice for organisations on managing, analysing, and presenting data effectively.The conversation covers everything from starting small with data, automating processes, and building resilience through data ownership, to the future impact of AI on analytics.They discuss: What data is and why it’s important.Why starting small can help build your data confidence.How technology and automations can save time and unlock insights.Links and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Saddling up for success: Your guide to harnessing data - an on demand webinar about how data can be used across different teams to improve efficiencies, measure performance and inform actionsHow to automate your social media reporting - in this article we explain three methods you can use to consolidate your data, save time, and tell your storyGetting started with Google Looker Studio - how Looker Studio can be used to create interactive and shareable reports to help you see how you are performing, if you're on track to reach your objectives, and identify opportunities for change.Responsible AI Practical Toolkit – a framework to help creative and cultural organisations that want to create their own Responsible AI policies and practicesCharity Digital Skills Report – annual survey from Zoe AmarStorytelling with data – the fundamentals of data visualisation and ways to present Everything I know about life I learned from PowerPoint - a book with great tips for simplifying information and making engaging presentations Music by ⁠⁠SHAR 

In this episode of the Digital Culture Podcast, James Akers speaks with Monica Thomas, Tech Champion for Search Engine Optimisation, about how Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is evolving in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Monica explains what SEO really means today, why AI is changing the way people discover cultural experiences online, and how organisations can adapt to stay visible. She also shares practical advice on using Google Ad Grants, a program offering charities free daily advertising credit to promote their mission. The conversation covers everything from structuring content for AI-driven discovery to understanding new tools like structured markup and llms.txt, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of digital marketing in the cultural sector. They discuss: What SEO really means today and why it’s not just about keywords anymore. Why AI is reshaping Search and what that means for arts organisations. How to optimise your website for both traditional search and AI-driven discovery. Links and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document) How to apply for and use Google Ad Grants Watch Monica’s recent webinar about Google Ad Grants Read One Further's report 'The impact of AI Overviews in the cultural sector'Music by ⁠⁠SHAR