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 ⁠⁠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.

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

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Links and resources discussed in this episode:

• Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)
• Responsible AI Practical Toolkit from Arts Council England
• Follow Ankur on Instagram and LinkedIn

Music 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.