Digital Culture Podcast

Digital Culture Network
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A podcast for people working in the creative and cultural sector who want to embrace digital. Join Tech Champions from the Digital Culture Network and guests from across the sector.

  1. Jul 15

    The human side of digital transformation with Ankur Bahl

    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 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.

    The human side of digital transformation with Ankur Bahl

  2. Jun 11

    From museums to memes: Adam Koszary on culture, creativity & connection

    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

    From museums to memes: Adam Koszary on culture, creativity & connection

  3. Apr 15

    Using CRM and content together to boost engagement with Dean Shaw and Adam Sykes

    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

    Using CRM and content together to boost engagement with Dean Shaw and Adam Sykes

  4. Mar 11

    REMIX reflections: highlights from London 2026

    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

    REMIX reflections: highlights from London 2026

  5. Feb 11

    The state of social media in 2026 with Katy Farrell and Nicola Barratt

    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

    The state of social media in 2026 with Katy Farrell and Nicola Barratt

  6. Jan 15

    Streamlining your cultural data with James Akers

    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

    Streamlining your cultural data with James Akers

  7. 12/09/2025

    The impact of AI on website visibility and search with Monica Thomas

    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

    The impact of AI on website visibility and search with Monica Thomas

  8. 11/26/2025

    Hyperlocal targeting with David Yard from Gulbenkian Arts Centre

    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

    Hyperlocal targeting with David Yard from Gulbenkian Arts Centre
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About

A podcast for people working in the creative and cultural sector who want to embrace digital. Join Tech Champions from the Digital Culture Network and guests from across the sector.

Information

  • Creator
    Digital Culture Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Digital Culture Network
  • Show Website
    Digital Culture Podcast

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