Digital Accelerator
Recognizing that digital adaptation is critical for the non-profit cultural sector to remain competitive and fulfill its potential, the Digital Accelerator Program will provide $30 million to help arts organizations invest in strategic improvements to their technology infrastructure. This includes tools to enhance core operations, such as integrated marketing and fundraising systems, as well as bold projects with the potential to benefit the broader cultural sector.
In continuing to deliver on community-building and creative missions during the pandemic, non-profit cultural organizations relied heavily on digital experimentation. This program seeks to inform and solidify new opportunities by helping cultural organizations build audiences, increase fundraising, drive revenue, and continue to deliver dynamic programming virtually and in person – including extensive educational offerings.
The first phase of the program focuses on 46 institutions in the US and the UK which will receive training and support. A Bloomberg Tech Fellow, designated by each participating organization from existing staff, will drive the development and implementation of their digital project. Bloomberg Philanthropies will work with technology experts who will provide strategic assessment and implementation guidance to the Bloomberg Tech Fellows. In the UK, these services will be provided by the Arts Council’s Digital Culture Network, and in the US, by the Lapine Group.
The organizations selected to participate in the Digital Accelerator program reach and represent a broad spectrum of creative endeavor, and a deep commitment to serving audiences.
The Digital Accelerator program will help arts organizations sustain innovations and investments – and strengthen tech and management practices that are key to their long-term success.
Patti Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies
Participating US organizations include:
Apollo Theater Foundation Inc.
Appalshop
Austin Opera
Ballet Hispánico of New York Inc.
BRIC
Ghetto Film School, Inc.
Harlem Stage Inc.
HERE
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company
Mark Morris Dance Group
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
New York City Center
Oakland Museum of California
Pregones/PRTT
Queens Museum
RedLine Contemporary Art Center
Sphinx Organization
St. Ann’s Warehouse
Tenement Museum
The Field
The Laundromat Project
92nd Street Y
New Museum
Roundabout Theatre Company
SMU DataArts
Selected UK organizations include:
Almeida Theatre
Artichoke Trust
Ballet Black
Battersea Arts Centre
Chineke! Foundation
Chisenhale Gallery
Create London
Kiln Theatre
Roundhouse Trust
Serpentine
Studio Voltaire
Studio Wayne McGregor
The Royal Court Theatre
The Yard Theatre
Unicorn Theatre
Young Vic
Royal Academy of Arts
The National Gallery
The Old Vic
National Theatre
Bloomberg Philanthropies is committed to developing and sharing best practices around technology investments that will contribute to the recovery of the wider cultural community.
Top photo: St. Ann’s Warehouse, one of the institutions in the US and the UK which will receive training and support from the Digital Accelerator initiative, hosting one in a series of “GET BACK!” live rooftop concerts.