January ushered in a new year with sweeping disruptions in media, journalism, and public humanities. Technology-driven partnerships, staff cuts, and mergers have redefined the online media landscape kicking-off 2025, calling into question journalism’s position in an age of generative AI. Read the highlights below.
The grant narrative has become one of the most high-stakes tools of communication in the nonprofit fundraising space, driving more than $150 billion in global expenditures. As grant writers adapt their appeals in response to changing funder values, this narrative network gives shape to the nonprofit ecosystem in which many arts organizations operate.
Exposure to nature can positively influence one’s mental well-being. As VR technology seeks to recreate elements of life, its developers and prospective adopters must keep asking one very important question: how deeply can VR impact us? And, what might the implications be for museums?
It is always fun to take a moment as we close out a year to compare our favorite content to the popularity contest of the web. AI, Sustainability, and Preservation with technology led the charge. Keep reading for the most popular articles and podcasts.
As AI continues to integrate into our everyday lives, how does it impact our creativity? Many researchers and scholars agree that the technology may promote significant opportunities in this space. By introducing novel ideas and opportunities to users, it may be most effective as a tool to augment, rather than replace, human creativity.
Whether artificial intelligence, blockchain, extended reality, or other developments, technology is hitting the creative sector from all angles. Regardless of where you sit within your organization, you are likely facing questions on how this emerging technology will impact your work. This year, we will continue to share content that sparks conversation and makes you rethink what is possible.
We are busy kicking it back into high gear here at the Arts Management & Technology Laboratory, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed the steady stream of our summer content! My name is Liz, and I am thrilled to be taking on the role as Chief Editor of Research for 2021-2022. Lutie Rodriguez, last year’s Chief Editor, focused on the intersection of arts, technology, and policy, in addition to the ever-changing realities of the global pandemic. This year, we will investigate how arts organizations are using technology to adapt through Covid-19, as well as topics such as Climate Justice, Big Tech, Gaming, and the always-fascinating subjects of Blockchain and NFTs.
Welcome to another year with the Arts Management and Technology Laboratory! Despite 2020 looking completely different than any year I’ve experienced, I am excited to take over as Chief Editor of the platform for 2020-2021. Following Lydia Kilian’s tenure as Chief Editor, during which she focused on the applications of technology to music education, blockchain, music streaming and more, I am looking forward to digging into my interests regarding how the arts, technology, and policy intersect (something I touched on as a contributor last year).
As our country comes face to face with its long-lasting racial and social injustices, it is important to consider how long term, institutional change can be made. The arts and technology sectors have the responsibility of providing equal access. We at AMT Lab are committed to doing better. We value knowledge and research and their power to create change.
Mapping and networks feel modern and hip. In today's increasingly connected world, we assume that social networks are real-time, technologically relevant, but networks of influence far precede our internet-focused era. Significantly, mapping networks offers an understanding of how ideas travel. Visual and performing art historians, professional dramaturgs and curators all know that mapping people, objects, or ideas across time and space can broaden an understanding of an art piece or process. Administrators can also benefit from studying networks.
There's been a lot of chatter lately about Tweet Seats. The NEA hosted a series of blog posts about #2TweetOrNot2Tweet, we brought up possible legal issues last week, and before I leave you all for the weekend, I'd like to point you towards a great post from ArtsFwd. If you, or anyone you know, is considering Tweet Seats, you should really read this post.
We'll be closing our audience poll this Monday, January 21. Now is the time for you and all of your arts-oriented colleagues to tell us what tech challenges you face on a regular basis. Then check back for results! [polldaddy poll=6814063]
Does something seem different? Did we get a haircut? New pair of glasses? Start working out? Can’t quite put your finger on it?
Technology in the Arts recently embarked on the beginning of a yearlong journey to assess our role in the world of arts management and technology. Externally, you may notice changes to the look of our site as we continue to update our WordPress infrastructure. Internally, we are engaging in a strategic planning process to reposition and rebrand Technology in the Arts to better serve our audiences.
Part of that effort is to learn more about YOU. Throughout the coming months we will be polling our users to find out what challenges, triumphs, needs, and desires are lurking in the professional niches you inhabit. We invite you to participate, submit comments, and check back to see what we’re finding. What types of content would be most helpful to you? What questions do you have? What excites you? Where do you see arts management and technology intersecting? Where don’t you?
Transitions are afoot. Let’s begin!
[polldaddy poll=6814063]
Welcome to the new year! Technology in the Arts had an amazing 2012, and we're looking forward to an even stronger 2013! There's always room for improvement, and the staff was kind enough to share their tech resolutions for the coming year. Check them out on the right!
In 2013 I resolve to...stay off my sisters' Facebook accounts (maybe) and to make my daily photo blog an ACTUAL daily photo blog! - Elizabeth
In 2013, I resolve to use Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram more frequently than Chinese social media.I will develop a good habit to reply every important email within one day.I resolve to regularly read about latest technology.I will convoy my exciting new findings of the world to others via social media.- Vivi
I resolve that my 2 year old son doesn't start figuring out how to use a new tech tool before I do. - Kathryn
Publish an e-book on Gamification in the Arts, learn how to use my new smart phone (my first one oddly), and find an employer that loves technology and the arts as much as I do. - Andre
I will master preziI will be a better Facebook friendI will spread creativity at least once a dayAnd, of course,I will read, like, tweet and follow technology on the arts! - Brett
This year I develop concrete social media campaigns and finally upgrade to a new phone! - Rachael
We had many great articles here on Tech in the Arts in 2012 - here's but a small sampling of our fantastic pieces:
Data vs. Message: Which wins arts patrons?
Pinterest 101 for Arts Organizations
How Google Art Project Benefits the Public
Gaming or Gamification: A Tool for the Arts
Looking at the Land: The Crowdsourced, Digital Exhibition (Part 1) (Part 2)
Take off your fundraiser hat! Kickstarter Tips with Stephanie Pereira
Redefining Participation: Notes from the Newspaper Industry
Telemarketing is Dead - and I killed it
SFMOMA Families App Drives Away Gallery Fatigue
As 2013 begins, we can't help but be excited about the future. What technologies are you excited to learn or master in the coming year?
Those who have been following Technology in the Arts (TiTA) for some time may be aware that in the past TiTA, in collaboration with the CMU Master of Arts Management program, hosted a website devoted to job opportunities in the arts management field: http://artsopportunities.org/. Since its inception, an abundance of free online arts job resources have emerged, and so, this month we say adieu to our companion site. In its place we present here a host of resources that come with high recommendations as you pursue or advance a career in arts management: National Listings
Americans for the Arts Job Bank
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Association of Performing Arts Presenters
National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture
National Guild for Community Arts Education
New York Foundation for the Arts
Regional Listings: East/MidAtlantic
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Emerging Leaders of New York Arts
Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington (D.C.)
Regional Listings: Midwest
Arts Wave (Cincinnati)
Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan
Springboard for the Arts (Minneapolis/Saint Paul)
Regional Listings: South
Arts and Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina)
Regional Listings: West
Northern California Grantmakers
Oregon Regional Arts & Culture Jobs
International Listings:
International Society for the Performing Arts
It has been almost a full year since I joined Technology in the Arts, thanks to the Master of Arts Management program at Carnegie Mellon University. As we enter another school year and prepare for a new group of research associates, we’ve got a look back at the past year. Research Associate Terry Boyd prepared this Annual Report with our highlights, summaries, and where we have room to improve.
If you're a fan of metrics, be sure to check out the report. Here are some of my favorites:
Highlights
There's plenty of room for improvement (always!) and we hope readers will join us in the next year! We also have a friendly, non-flash version of the report here.
What will happen to arts, arts education, and arts agencies after the coming election? If you are registered to vote then you hold part of the answer in how you decide to cast your ballot. The coming election could very well decide whether or not there are numerous municipal, statewide, and national agencies that help support arts infrastructure and education.
Americans for the Arts collects information on elected candidates based on their voting record and stated policies. At the top of the ticket President Barrack Obama has gotten good marks from Americans for the Arts. He has proposed and supported increasing funding to the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities and has come out against cuts to arts education funding and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Mitt Romney on the other hand has pledged to cut funding to the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Support for the arts, arts funding, and arts education doesn't split strictly on party lines though and it is incumbent upon us as voters to understand where our national, statewide, municiple and local elected officials stand on support the arts, education, and the creative economy. Americans for the Arts has a handy tool that you can use to look up the positions of elected officials at all levels.
Take a look at what caught our attention on Twitter this past week:
@MuseumNext A great presentation from @clairey_ross and @chrisspeed on QR codes, Smart Objects, Museums and Public Engagement.
@idealware Great introduction to Google Grants from @MRCampaigns- including the time it generally takes to set up ads & monitor
@sumojim The Digital Engagement in the Arts Framework from Jim Richardson
@sumojim I've been playing with the social media tool SocialBro for a few weeks, and I think it's worth checking out (it's free)
@HuffPostCulture Culture's biggest world record holders
@wikimania2012 Have you taken a look at our awesome schedule of workshops, talks, meetups, and events? Check it out
@youvecottmail When it comes to social media, are you following "the rule of thirds"?
@FracturedAtlas Check out 1.1, creating 1.1 million life-size images of kids, 1 for every child in a NYC public school.
@mashable 12 Essential Social Media Cheat Sheets
@HuffingtonPost FACT: For the first time in history, the US Olympic Team consists of more women than men
@HuffPostCulture Frank Gehry's crumpled opera design
Be sure to share with us what caught your eye by RTing to @TechInTheArts.
Technology solutions can be a challenge to any nonprofit. You're trying to do too many things with too little staff, and the last thing on your mind is how you're going to find room in the budget for an IT guy or gal. Thankfully, if you're based in Pittsburgh, there may be a solution.
GoogleServe 2012 is a full day of local Google employees helping nonprofits maximize their utilization of the products and services Google can provide.The event, now in its 4th year, will feature sessions for both the clueless and those who already have Google products in place at their nonprofits. GoogleServe is hosted by HandsOn Tech, Pittsburgh Cares, and, obviously, Google.
HandsOn Tech is a local nonprofit, seeking to help other Pittsburgh-area nonprofits with technology training and support. I had the opportunity to attend one of their workshops last month, about using Google+ for Nonprofits and really enjoyed the experience. If you have time to volunteer your tech skills, I highly recommend checking out their site.
Pittsburgh GoogleServe 2012 will be held Friday, June 15 at Google Pittsburgh in Bakery Square. For more information and to register, check out their website.
Things are slowing down here at Tech in the Arts as we prepare to enter our summer schedule. A decrease in posts does not mean a decrease in quality, however, and this past month we had some great articles.
First, some sad news to share with everyone: this is my last post for Tech in the Arts, the quintessential blog looking at the intersection of arts and technology online. As a student here at Heinz College, it has been an honor to share with you on a weekly basis a look at different trends and topics at that very intersection, with a little bit of policy thrown in.
For my final post, I wanted to take a look back at some of my favorite posts from the past year, and share with everyone what my thought process was when it came to writing about the important issues that affect the arts community on a daily basis.
Compared to the other writers here at Tech in the Arts, I have always tried to take a different approach – one that is centered on public policy, and how it impacts the arts community and arts lovers everywhere. As a Master’s student in public policy here at Carnegie Mellon, this is what I study on a daily basis and what I am passionate about, and I have been determined to include it in the overall conversation.
One of the topics I have written about frequently is the issue of funding for the arts, and the somewhat uncertain future it faces. Many cities and states, and even the federal government, are facing times of budget austerity, and cuts to the arts are happening at an alarming pace. I also wrote about the National Endowment for the Arts and its funding history, along with the new upstart on the arts funding block, Kickstarter. Arts financing in Europe has also been the target of deep cuts, and I finally looked at the debate surrounding what method of funding was the best for the arts in America. And in my very first post, I talked about how important it was (and still is!) to protect federal funding for the arts.
One of my favorite topics to write about was where arts and public policy intersected. One of my favorites to write was looking at where public policy lived through the eyes of the artists; another was a look at artistic revisions of the American Dream of buying a home. As we all know, the arts play a large role in economic development, which I wrote about, and I also took a look at how cities are thinking differently when it comes to development, often using the arts to differentiate them. Finally, I took a look at how cities are beautifying themselves through public works of art, as they face budget shortfalls and have to think creatively.
The most popular piece I wrote this year (and perhaps the most controversial, given some of the feedback and comments!) was looking at the debate over the most artistic city in America. The winner (as crowned by the Atlantic) was Santa Fe, but certainly cities everywhere can make their own legitimate cases for being the most artistic. Its topics like that are so much fun to write about; everyone has an opinion, wants to make their case for their own city, and it encourages discussion and debate.
I also enjoyed writing about an issue that doesn’t receive a lot of attention in the arts community, but is very important nonetheless, which is the issue of net neutrality. I wrote about how important the issue is, and also about how the issue is not going away anytime soon.
Finally, two of my favorite posts were about topics that don’t fit neatly within any of the above categories: My look at the Google Art Project and the White House, and also my look at the fall of Kodak and its effect on artistic inspiration.
It’s been a pleasure being a part of the fantastic and talented team here at Tech in the Arts for the past year. Thanks go out to everyone on the team for their help and support, and chiefly for the opportunity to write for all of you on a weekly basis. Thank you to everyone for reading, for being so supportive and for the kind comments and responses throughout the year.
For those so inclined, you can follow me on Twitter at @seanbowie, and can reach me by e-mail at seanmbowie@gmail.com. It’s been a pleasure everyone, thank you!
April showers brought May flowers and some great articles here on Tech in the Arts. In case you missed it, here are some of our highlights from the month.
We had the honor of featuring Kickstarter Art Program Director Stephanie Pereira in our speaker series, and offered our additional thoughts on her visit on the blog. We also took some time to reflect on how cities are thinking about art differently and Melissa Snoza of Fifth House Ensemble elaborated on how her organization thinks about art and technology. Since new technologies are constantly improving how organizations function, we took a look at Eventbrite’s Newest Ticketing system for your iPad!
The Google Art Project is often on our minds, and we took a look at its new home – The White House. It’s a global application, and we discussed it along with Art.sy as methods to help us understand our cultural universe. A universe that expanded into the realm of the internet with the BMW Tate Live.
What a month! As our school year draws to a close, we hope your May is as pleasant as those flowers we’ve been promised.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates every device that emits radio waves. This means cell phones, radio, television, and wireless microphones. In 2010 the FCC issued a rule that ordered users of wireless microphones to stop broadcasting at 700 MHz. This resulted in the forced scrapping and purchase of tens of thousands of dollars of wireless microphones that broadcast on that length of spectrum. Story over? Not really. Now, two years later the FCC is talking about 'repacking' the broadcast spectrum again.
Any change of this type would result in tens of thousands of dollars of additional cost for every arts organization effected. This is cost that was already borne out in good faith two years ago. As congress moves forwards with legislation that would patch the budget with broadcast spectrum auctions the arts community finds itself potentially under the gun in a time where budgets are already lean.
To give a sense of scope for this issue, there are an estimated 21,000 school theaters in addition to the thousands of professional theaters. Combined, these facilities serve millions of patrons and students and contribute nearly eight billion dollars to the economy.
The problem is that the FCC hasn't formally recognized wireless microphones formally as a broadcast user of the spectrum. As a result it is easy to give away the spectrum that they use. For more information on this issue Theater Communications Group (TCG) has put together a list of articles on the subject.
