CultureTalk

CultureTalk: Why Digital Projects Fail and How to Set Them Up for Success with Ash Mann

This article by Ash talks about the Enable-Engage-Express framework that we reference in the interview as well as his two-axis model for understanding how different digital activities differ in function and focus: https://www.ashmann.co/what-do-we-actually-mean-when-we-say-digital/
 
Digital strategy consultant Ash Mann brings clear-eyed insights from his research on why digital projects succeed or fail in arts and culture organisations. With 20 years of experience spanning in-house roles, agency leadership, and independent consulting, Ash shares:
 
🟢 Why digital failures are rarely technical but organisational
🟢 His Enable-Engage-Express framework for understanding digital activity
🟢 How museums and performing arts venues approach digital differently
🟢 Practical low-risk experiments for organisations beginning their digital journey
🟢 What cultural leaders need most: clarity and "digital imagination"
🟢 Real success stories from the Royal Academy, Bridge Theatre, and National Theatre
 
This conversation offers both reassurance for digital practitioners and practical guidance for cultural leaders navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.
 
About Ash Mann:
Ash is an advisor, strategist and facilitator who has worked on hundreds of digital projects in the cultural sector. He hosts the Digital Works podcast and conference, creating spaces for important conversations about digital development in arts and culture.
 
Connect with Ash at: https://ashmann.co
 
Want more CultureTalk episodes? Listen on your favourite streaming platform:
 
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488
🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f
 
Subscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.
 
Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/

CultureTalk: How Content Strategy Shapes Cultural Engagement with One Further’s Georgina Brooke

Senior Content Strategist Georgina Brooke joins us to discuss how cultural organisations can cut through digital noise, build meaningful audience connections, and create sustainable digital strategies. From her experiences at Oxford University, National Museum of Scotland, and the Ashmolean Museum, Georgina shares practical insights on developing effective content approaches that truly resonate with audiences.
 
Key topics covered:
🖋️ Why content strategy matters in an overcrowded digital landscape
👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Building digital fandoms that generate sustainable revenue
📱 Navigating the volatility of social media platforms
🖥️ Why digital should be viewed as a product in its own right
📰 Creating content that works across diverse collections
🕹️ The skills challenges facing cultural organisations
 
Georgina Brooke is Senior Content Strategist at One Further [https://www.onefurther.com/], a digital agency that helps cultural organisations analyse and improve their digital presence, working with institutions like the British Museum, Tate and Shakespeare's Globe.
 
Want more CultureTalk episodes? Listen on your favourite streaming platform:
 
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488
🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f/culturetalk 
 
Subscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.
 
Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/

CultureTalk: Putting People First in Digital Strategy for Cultural Organisations with Steve Plummer

As digital evolution reshapes the cultural sector, how can arts organisations develop sustainable technology strategies? Join us for a refreshing conversation with Steve Plummer from One Pebble Consulting, who challenges traditional thinking about digital transformation. With 25+ years of experience and nearly 50 digital roadmaps delivered, Steve brings practical wisdom to technological change in arts and cultural organisations.Discover why "digital evolution" trumps "transformation" and learn about the "Three Ps" methodology that prioritises People before Process and Platforms. Steve shares insights from his work with venues of all sizes—from three-person theatre companies to major national institutions—offering an affordable, human-centred approach to digital strategy.Key topics covered:🔄 Why evolution beats transformation for sustainable digital change👥 The critical importance of people in successful technology adoption⚡ Practical approaches for implementing digital strategies with limited resources🧠 Purpose-driven approaches to emerging technologies like AI💡 Quick wins that build momentum and staff buy-inFeaturing Steve PlummerFounder, One Pebble Consultinghttps://onepebbleconsulting.comWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3fSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.#ArtsAndCulture #DigitalStrategy #DigitalInnovation #CultureTalk

CultureTalk: Playful Innovation and AI’s Role in Culture with Jocelyn Burnham

As artificial intelligence reshapes the cultural sector, how can arts organisations find a balanced path forward? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jocelyn Burnham from AI for Culture, who brings a refreshingly nuanced perspective to this complex landscape.Drawing from over a decade of experience and work with organisations like Arts Council England and Tate Modern, Jocelyn advocates for a more playful, experimental approach to AI adoption. Learn why "learning about AI is not the same as loving AI" and how venues can maintain their cultural values while navigating this technological evolution.Key topics covered:⚡ Balancing AI adoption with ethical considerations🎨 AI's role in creative processes🌱 Environmental impact of AI systems🤝 Maintaining human connections in automated processes💡 Practical guidance for AI implementationFeaturing Jocelyn BurnhamFounder, AI for Culturehttps://aiforculture.comWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3fSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.#ArtsAndCulture #AI #DigitalTransformation #CulturalSector #ArtsTech #Innovation #CultureTalk

CultureTalk Episode 8: Embracing Digital Transformation and the Power of Culture with Queens Theatre

Queens Theatre's Director of Operations Jay Rogers discusses digital transformation, pandemic recovery, and making theatre accessible in NYC's most diverse borough. Learn how this historic World's Fair venue balances tradition with innovation.https://www.culturesuite.co/

CultureTalk Episode 7: Uncovering the Hidden Environmental Cost of Digital Technology with GoCodeGreen

Explore how cultural organisations can balance digital engagement with environmental responsibility. GoCodeGreen's Gareth Edwards highlights the carbon impact of streaming, AI, and digital infrastructure.

CultureTalk Episode 6: Making Sense of Audience Data with Insights from The Audience Agency

Join Oliver Mantell from The Audience Agency as he explores how venues can leverage audience insights, embrace AI, and implement practical data strategies – all while keeping the human element at the heart of arts marketing.

CultureTalk Episode 5: How Different Breed is Reshaping the Way We Solve Ticketing and Accessibility

From personal struggles to industry-changing solutions: Craig Pryde discusses Different Breed's [https://differentbreed.events/] mission to make events accessible for all. Learn more about the more overlooked aspects of event accessibility and ticketing.

CultureTalk Episode 4: Revitalising Communities through Culture with Paul Callaghan

In this fascinating edition of CultureTalk, Paul Callaghan, Chair of The Board of Trustees for MAC Sunderland, shared his insights on using culture to revitalise communities, the challenges of arts funding, and the future of the cultural sector in the UK. Discover how grassroots initiatives can transform regions and lives.

CultureTalk Episode 3: Navigating the Ticketing Landscape with Andrew Thomas

Journey through the evolution of ticketing with Andrew Thomas, Director of Ticketing Professionals Conference. From shoeboxes to smartphones, discover how digital technology has transformed the arts and culture sector, and learn why accessible professional development is crucial for the industry's future.