Digital Culture Podcast

In this episode, James talks to David Yard – Head of Marketing at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, winners of a 2025 Digital Culture Network Award – about how the team transformed its digital marketing approach to boost cinema audiences and strengthen its online presence. With support from the Digital Culture Network, Gulbenkian repositioned its strategy to tackle post-pandemic challenges and increased competition. The project included revamping the website for a better cinema experience, launching a dedicated Instagram channel, and using creative on-campus campaigns to engage students. These changes led to a 75% increase in student attendance and set the stage for future audience growth. They discuss: Why redesigning the website to reflect cinema user behaviour improved the booking journeyHow combining physical signage with QR codes drove hundreds of click-throughs and boosted engagement What steps small arts teams can take to integrate digital tactics with wider marketing strategies Links and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Learn more about the Gulbenkian’s Digital Culture Award winCheck out the Gulbenkian’s revamped cinema listingsGulbenkian Arts Centre was awarded a Digital Culture Network Award in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.  Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James interviews Jonny Goode - Communications Manager at Blast Theory and winner of the Digital Ambassador award at the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. Jonny shares their journey from joining the organisation in 2021 to leading a transformative approach to digital communications, data strategy, and audience engagement.They reflect on the development of Blast Theory’s comms strategy, the impact of AI-driven project Cat Royale, and the importance of transparency and knowledge-sharing in the arts. James and Jonny discuss: How using automated data dashboards to streamline reporting can free up time for strategic thinking and creative planning. What Blast Theory’s shift to behind-the-scenes, artist-led content revealed about audience engagement and storytelling online. Why advocating for digital tools and sharing knowledge and personal insights has helped Jonny support better digital practice across the arts. Links and resources discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document) Explore Jonny’s Digital Culture Award winLearn more about Blast Theory’s Cat Royale projectCheck out some of Blast Theory’s useful resources & templates shared in the episodeJonny Goode won the Digital Ambassador category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Zak Mensah - Co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust. Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James talks to Samia Malik – singer-songwriter, visual artist and one of the winners of the Digital Culture Network Award – about how she transformed her creative practice through digital innovation.With support from the Digital Culture Network, Samia developed a digital-first strategy for her project ‘Songs to Heal and Empower’, using targeted ads and audience data to grow her following and build a strong online presence. Her latest project, ‘Azaadi - A Journey to Freedom’, continues this work with a focus on reaching global audiences and building online communities.They discuss:How Meta and YouTube ads can be effective in reaching millions beyond existing networksWhy using digital platforms can help artists share work and connect with wider audiencesWhat practical steps artists can take to build online communities and grow their digital presenceLinks and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Explore Samia’s Digital Culture Network Award winHead to Samia’s website to explore her music and other workSamia Malik was awarded a Digital Culture Network Award in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode of our Digital Culture Awards series, James talks to Flo O’Mahony and Amy Smith from Zoo Co – joint-winners of the Digital Inclusion category - about their production ‘Perfect Show for Rachel’.Created with and for Flo’s sister Rachel, who is learning disabled, the show places Rachel at the heart of the creative process as live director. Using a custom-built desk with 50 tactile buttons, Rachel controls lighting, sound, video, and cast actions in real time.Flo and Amy share how the project evolved from early improvisation and iPad experiments into a fully staged production with a cast of 13, live scribe, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, and a touring workshop model that empowers other learning disabled people to direct their own stories.They discuss:How starting with people - not tools - led to meaningful digital innovation and inclusive creative practices.Why treating Rachel’s decisions as dramaturgy reshaped the company’s approach to collaboration and access.What new possibilities emerged – from touring workshop models to the creation of an access equipment library for artists.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Explore Zoo Co’s Digital Culture Award winLearn more about ‘Perfect Show For Rachel’Find out how to access Zoo Co's free Access Resource LibraryZoo Co were joint winners of the Digital Inclusion category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winners of this category were decided by a panel of experts, led by Tom Ryalls - Cultural Consultant, Strategist and Writer.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers speaks with Louisa Sanfey and Tam Gilbert from Extant – winners of the Digital Inclusion category at the Digital Culture Awards – about their powerful project, 'Unseen'.The project began as a response to 2022’s The Unseen report, which explored the intersection of visual impairment and domestic abuse. Extant’s creative team - made up largely of visually impaired artists - worked alongside people with lived experience through creative writing workshops to develop a 45-minute audio drama.Louisa and Tam explain how the project went on to influence accessibility in sound design software, inspire live performances and panel events, and contribute to sector-wide training and advocacy.They discuss:Why digital storytelling can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving change around underrepresented experiences.How inclusive digital practices enabled a collaborative creative process and extended the project’s reach.What unexpected outcomes emerged - from influencing accessibility in creative tech to shaping cross-sector partnerships.This episode includes discussion of domestic abuse and violence. While no specific personal experiences are described, some listeners may find these themes sensitive.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Find out more about Extant’s Digital Culture Award winListen to 'Unseen'Learn more about The Unseen reportExtant were joint winners of the Digital Inclusion category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winners of this category were decided by a panel of experts, led by Tom Ryalls - Cultural Consultant, Strategist, Writer.Music by ⁠⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode of the Digital Culture Podcast, James talks to Simon Glenister, CEO and founder of Noise Solution, winners of the Using Data category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.Simon explains how their music education mentoring programme supports young people facing exclusion, mental health challenges, and other complex needs. The sessions combine music with technology and are supported by a secure online platform where participants can share their progress with trusted adults.Data is built into every part of the programme. From tracking wellbeing to analysing feedback with AI, their approach helps show impact, improve delivery, and support funding.In this episode, they discuss:How embedding data collection into the core of a programme can improve both outcomes and reporting.Why building a culture of trust and collaboration around data encourages meaningful engagement from staff and participants.What AI can reveal from conversational feedback and how it can be used to surface insights around wellbeing.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document).Find out more about Noise Solution's Digital Culture Award win.Visit the websites for Noise Solution and Transceve.Noise Solution were the Using Data category winners in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Katy Raines - Founder and CEO, Indigo Ltd.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers talks to Katy Clinch, Retail Manager at the Migration Museum, about the digital marketing tactics that helped them win a Digital Culture Network Award. With support from the Digital Culture Network, the museum boosted sales and extended the reach of its online shop through smart use of Meta ads and video content.They discuss:Why using print-on-demand can help manage demand during busy periods and reduce operational pressureHow experimenting with Meta ads and video content led to significant growth in online shop salesWhat it means to align digital marketing with a museum’s mission and valuesLinks and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Learn more about the Migration Museum’s Digital Culture Network Award winVisit the Migration Museum online shopThe Migration Museum was awarded a Digital Culture Network Award in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers interviews Chris Sonnex - Artistic Director & Joint CEO of Cardboard Citizens - about their award-winning project 'More Than One Story’. The project - a series of 9 short films written and produced by and for people with lived experience of homelessness, poverty, and inequity - was the theatre company’s first experience of creating digital theatre.Chris explains their collaborative approach to the work, why they chose the medium of film to tell these stories, and how that decision, along with choosing relevant partners like the Big Issue, saw them reach an audience of 157,000.They discuss:How digital storytelling techniques can be used to create meaningful content that resonates and drives social change.The important role partnerships and working collaboratively can play in driving engagement online and in-person.What’s next for the projectThis episode includes discussion of homelessness, poverty, and domestic violence in a general context. While no specific personal experiences are described, some listeners may find these themes sensitive.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Learn more about why Cardboard Citizens won a Digital Culture AwardWatch ‘More Than One Story’Book tickets for ‘More Than One Story’ Live in London on 9 NovemberCardboard Citizens were the Digital Content category winners in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Megan Jones - Digital Content Manager, National Museums Scotland.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode – the second in our Digital Culture Awards winners series – James Akers interviews Nik Wyness, Head of Marketing and Engagement at The Tank Museum, winner of the 2025 Digital Marketing category.Nik shares how The Tank Museum’s digital marketing journey began with a focus on building an active online community through video to raise awareness and evolved into a robust content strategy that now drives global engagement and revenue.They discuss:How understanding their niche audience and content testing across different platforms shaped their strategyWhy adapting to challenges, including the pandemic, accelerated their digital growthPractical advice for other cultural organisations looking to grow their digital presence and build resilient, engaged online communities.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Find out more about the award-winning projectExplore The Tank Museum YouTube pageThe Tank Museum were the Digital Marketing category winners in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Ranjit Kaur Atwal – Marketing Manager at Unlimited and freelance Communications Consultant.

The next ten episodes will feature award winners from the 2025 Digital Culture Awards, showcasing the very best in digital transformation, digital engagement, and use of technology in creativity and culture across England.In this episode, James Akers interviews Nadia Sommella, Marketing and Communications Officer from the Barber Institute of Fine Arts about how they redesigned their visitor survey process. With support from the Digital Culture Network, they worked to make data collection more inclusive, accessible, and impactful.They discuss:Why collaborative survey redesigns led to better dataHow introducing digital survey options alongside traditional paper methods improved accessibility and increased participationWhat support was available from the Digital Culture NetworkThe Barber Institute of Fine Arts was awarded a Digital Culture Network Award in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.Links and resources discussed in this episodeDownload the transcript for this episode (Word document)Find out more about the award-winning projectMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers interviews Owen Hopkin, Director of New Technologies and Innovation at Arts Council England and Dr Oonagh Murphy from Goldsmiths.We discuss:The journey, challenges, and considerations in formulating an AI policy in a values-driven and legally compliant wayThe creation of a practical toolkit designed to guide organisations in developing their own policiesThe importance of sector consultation and the need for evolving AI policiesLinks and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Responsible AI at Arts Council England – Report on how the Arts Council is using AI responsibly in its internal workResponsible AI Practical Toolkit – a framework to help creative and cultural organisations that want to create their own Responsible AI policies and practicesAI: meeting the challenges and embracing the opportunities – Owen shares Arts Council England’s thinking on AI and what’s coming next2023-26 National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) – Explanation of how Relationship Manager support National Portfolio OrganisationsMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers interviews Jacqueline Ewers, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Email Marketing.They discuss:What does email marketing mean and why it should be at the heart of your digital marketing mixHow to avoid the “leaky bucket” syndrome by strategically capturing contact details at every touchpointWhy testing is essential to improve results and how Jacqueline can helpLinks and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)10 ways to make your email marketing more sustainable - discover steps you can take to make your email marketing more sustainableHow regulation GDPR/PECR affects email marketing and why it is important - On demand webinar to learn how GDPR/PECR regulations can support your email marketing and help you grow your contact list.Revitalise your email marketing – grow and engage audiences with email - On demand webinar including practical tips and best practice examples to help you optimise your email marketingIntroduction to email marketing automations - On demand webinar to explore how automations can help you to work more efficiently to achieve your goalsThe five essentials of collecting contact data - find out how to set up and grow, and collect a contact database starting with these 5 essentialsHow to use UTM Parameters to track marketing activity - what are campaign parameters and why are they useful? Also, generate your own links with our templateCanva for non-profits – Create assets for your emails for freeEmail marketing platforms - a list of providersFind more email marketing resources in the Digital Culture Network knowledge hubMusic by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers interviews Katherine Brown, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Ecommerce and Merchandising.We discuss:What does ecommerce and merchandising mean for the creative and cultural sectorWhy cultural organisations, practitioners and artists should sell onlineTips to get started and how Katherine can helpLinks and resources discussed in this episodeDownload the transcript for this episode (Word document)How to grow the audience for your online shop - how creative and cultural organisations and individuals can grow traffic to their online shop, to drive online sales.Smartphone photography: Taking great photos for your online shop (on demand webinar) - tips to improve your product imagery using just a smartphoneEverything you need to know about Print on Demand (on demand webinar) -top tips and best practice for how to develop, strategise and market a successful Print on Demand offering.

In our sixth episode, James Akers interviews Andy Leitch, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Websites.In this episode, we discuss:The evolution of websites over time and options available today Key considerations for anyone with a website and how Andy can helpTop tips from Andy’s experience in the creative and cultural sectorLinks and resources discussed in this episodeDownload the transcript for this episode (Word document)How to create a simple website on a shoestring! (on demand webinar) - A webinar for artists and smaller arts and culture organisations with limited budgets who need a simple website.Looking after your website with limited resources - This article has been written for organisations and individuals who don’t have a dedicated marketing or communications team (or budget).How to do a simple health check on your website (on demand webinar) - A webinar for creative and cultural organisations to learn how to perform a simple health check on their website to highlight improvements.Testing and improving your website navigation - Tree testing is a quick and easy way to test the effectiveness of your website navigation. It’s a technique that can also test a new website structure you may be planning.How to make your website more sustainable with Tom Greenwood (on demand webinar) - A webinar for creative and cultural organisations and individual practitioners to learn about website sustainability and how to reduce their digital carbon footprint.Ecograder - A tool to help you evaluate the carbon footprint of your websites.Finding the best supplier for your website project - Are you a creative or cultural organisations looking to redesign or improve your website? This article helps you source and select the best supplier to do the job.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers interviews Dean Shaw, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Content Creation.We discuss:What free and low-cost tools can be used to create high quality contentHow Dean can support you in your content creation skills developmentTop tips from Dean’s experience in the creative and cultural sectorLinks and resources discussed in this episodeDownload the transcript for this episode (Word document)Smartphone photography: Taking great photos for your online shop (Webinar on Tuesday 8 April 2025) - how to improve your product imagery using just a smartphone and grow your online salesUsing digital solutions to make your facility more accessible: Ensuring visitors feel confident - This resource explains how videos and images are a great way to communicate your access offer, making sure every visitor feels confident in enjoying the space without the worry of how they'll navigate it.From Fandom to Funds: How the Tank Museum is Transforming Museum FundraisingVideo editing platforms: CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut ProCanva for non-profits - Create social media posts, presentations, infographics, thumbnails, reports, posters, flyers and signage - for free.Edit it yourself: a practical guide to video editing (on demand webinar) - Learn basic video editing for social media content.How to make YouTube, TikTok or Instagram videos your audience will love (on demand webinar) -  Learn how to create short form video content using only your smart phone.Crafting audience personas for creative and cultural organisations on YouTube  - An effective way to expand reach and engagement on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn, is through developing well-defined audience personas. This handy step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, from start to finish.Get the YouTube audience your videos deserve! (on demand webinar) - How to improve you digital content and grow your audience.Music by ⁠⁠SHAR

In this episode,James Akers interviewsAdam Sykes, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Ticketing.We discuss:How CRM systems help organisations collect, manage, and use audience data to improve engagement, marketing, and fundraising.The importance of a seamless ticketing process to increase attendance, reduce drop-offs, and enhance customer satisfactionTop tips from Adam’s experience in the creative and cultural sectorThe following links and resources were discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Whose CRM is it anyway? – an article exploring how creative and cultural organisations can effectively utilise a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to manage their audiences.Access All Areas: Making ticketing more accessible for everyone – Adam takes you through how to enhance your ticketing inclusivity and ensure equal access for allThe Ticketing Journey: From Pre-Purchase to Post-Event – webinar recording to learn practical strategies to streamline your ticketing processes and enhance the customer journey, from start to finish.Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Platforms – explore a list of relevant systemsBox office and Ticketing platforms – explore a list of relevant systemsMore than half of arts audiences are first-time bookers – 2024 Tomorrow’s Audience report from Indigo LtdDynamic pricing could be banned under new federal government crackdown amid pressure on music sellers – Changes to regulation in AustraliaPearl Jam v. Ticketmaster: What Happened?– why Pearl Jam fell out with Ticketmaster over their operating practices

In this episode, James Akers interviews Jack Roscoe⁠, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Audience Data Collection and Evaluation. We discuss: Designing effective audience surveys by focusing on clear objectives, tailoring questions to different audiences, and utilising tools like Illuminate and Microsoft Forms Methods to boost survey participation, including face-to-face interactions, staff training, and creating concise, engaging surveys Top tips from Jack’s experience in the creative and cultural sector The following links and resources were discussed in this episode: Download the transcript for this episode (Word document) Increase your audience surveys and improve survey data - Jack's webinar exploring tips and tactics to collect more audience surveys for a variety of organisations. How to decide your survey targets and improve your sampling - Jack's article including a step-by-step guide to determining an appropriate number of surveys to aim for. National Museums Liverpool - Understanding Audiences - an interview with Wesley Thistlethwaite, Insight and Analysis Manager at National Museums Liverpool, on his role working with audience data. Freelancer Directory - Arts Marketing Association - a useful resource to find freelancers, including evaluators and audience consultants. Tomorrow's Audience Indigo Share: Hot Topic - this sector-wide audience survey makes a number of useful recommendations on how to reach, grow, and better cater to new audiences, backed up with solid data. Illuminate by Arts Council England - an overview of Illuminate including links to FAQs and to download a list of the mandatory and optional questions. Impact & Insight Toolkit - an alternative platform for National Portfolio Organisations to collect surveys, with templates containing the mandatory questions, along with the ability to write your own questions and more flexibly redesign surveys. Culture Counts to Illuminate Conversion Service Guide - a guide to the free survey data export service for Impact and Insight Toolkit users, creating data files that are formatted and ready to be uploaded directly into Illuminate. ⁠Connect with Jack on LinkedIn⁠ and enjoy his videos.

In this episode, ⁠James Akers⁠ interviews Ollie Couling, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Digital Marketing and Strategy. We discuss: What is a strategy and why you shouldn't fear one Useful frameworks to help build your strategy Top tips from Ollie's experience in the creative and cultural sector The following links and resources were discussed in this episode: 5 reasons why creative and cultural organisations need a digital strategy Theory of Change (ToC) - A guide and template Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) model - Getting started with objectives and key results MoSCoW method - 3 Prioritisation Techniques for Arts Marketeers What is the Pareto 80/20 principle? - Roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes Why are you measuring that? - Webinar recording to learn how to define and track the metrics for different audience actions Content strategy development: Aligning content with a marketing funnel - Webinar recording with techniques for developing a content marketing strategy Influencer insights: How Mary Spender reached 750k subscribers on YouTube - Article where Ollie interviews George Spender about the process and what he has learned along the way Music by ⁠SHAR

In this episode, James Akers interviews the Digital Culture Network Tech Champions Katy Farrell and Nicola Barratt who specialise in Social Media. We discuss: What support is available for creative and cultural professionals in England The changes we’ve seen in Social Media over the past 12 months Top tips and recommended actions for anyone working in Social The following links are resources were discussed in this episode: Digital Culture Network Knowledge Hub – Over 230 free resources What goes into a social media strategy? - A webinar for anyone working in the creative and cultural sector who wants to create a social media strategy but isn’t sure where to start. Reaching Your Audience: Making Your Meta Ads More Effective - How to make your Meta (Facebook and Instagram) ads more effective by using a marketing funnel and key tools like Meta Pixels and Audiences. You’ll learn how to move users from the awareness stage all the way to taking action on your website. When Gen-Z writes the marketing script: Royal Armouries edition Museum Creepy Doll Contest from Colchester and Ipswich Museums BRAT vs DEMURE: Classical Edition from Southbank Centre Gen Alpha content example: Nutter Butter on TikTok Sign up to the Digital Culture Network newsletter Music by SHAR

A chat with Nicola Barratt, Social Media Tech Champion at the Digital Culture Network, about how she supports the creative and cultural sector in England, reflects on 2023 and looks ahead with Social Media in 2024. This episode is hosted by James Akers, Data Analytics and Insight Tech Champion. Find out more and sign up to the newsletter on the ⁠Digital Culture Network⁠ website. Music by ⁠SHAR