The Digital Transformation of Cultural Practice

Cultural organizations and those that work in them are involved in an emerging praxis that is both an externally focussed critique of society and technology, and an inwardly focussed critique of institutions through technology, artists and commissions. This chapter draws on the work of cultural professionals and artists who have engaged with emerging technologies to create provocations that engage patrons, audiences and visitors in the wider debates that exist around these technologies, and their use in society. The primary focus of this chapter is on museums, galleries and wider visual arts organizations, however much of the thinking on leadership is applicable to wider cultural leadership.

In many ways this chapter is rooted in the academic traditions of theatre, dance, art, musicology and museum studies, and examines the social impact, the political challenge and economic reality of cultural practice today. This chapter argues that while social and technological changes are not a new concept for arts organizations, what is new is the depth and reach of these technologies in terms of art form development, data creation, manipulation and interpretation. It is a rallying cry for value-led leadership from cultural professionals, and platform more critically engaged practice within the arena of digital technologies and digital culture from the cultural sector in Europe.