Recent research from the Arts Council shows that investment in digital by arts organisations has increased 25-fold since 2019, while the level of individuals and organisations funded by the Arts Council engaging in digital activities has risen from 21% to 78%. Looking to the future, 83% of those surveyed plan to improve their level of digital skills.

The Arts Council recognises we need to become a digital policy maker to enable the arts sector to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the emerging digital landscape. We also do not under-estimate the challenges the sector will face to acquire new skills as we emerge into the post-COVID future after a difficult year. 

As a first step, the Arts Council has commissioned Culture Works to produce The Future is Bright digital toolbox to help you to find your way through the how and why of making and presenting work digitally. The toolbox is accompanied by a series of webinars where artists, producers and curators share their expertise and learning of making digital work over the past 18 months.

The Arts Council will publish a digital strategy by the end of 2021 aligned to the goals of our corporate policy Making Great Art Work.