Join us for candid conversations with the visionaries and leaders shaping today’s cultural landscape. Each episode of CultureTalk dives deep into the challenges, triumphs, and transformative power of arts and culture.
From innovative audience engagement strategies to philosophical discussions about art’s role in society, our guests share their unique perspectives and practical insights gained from years at the forefront of cultural organisations.
CultureTalk: Redefining Memberships, Pricing and Digital Strategy with Viernulvier’s Karel Lievens
Karel Lievens, Digital Strategist at Viernulvier in Ghent, joins us to talk about rethinking membership, pricing and digital strategy in arts and culture. We draw on his time on both sides of the sector, from building websites for venues to running digital strategy inside one.We talk about how Bijloke overhauled their rigid season-ticket system into a flexible membership that grew from 200 to around 1,200 members, Viernulvier's pay-what-you-can pricing experiment, and what happens when you stop treating culture like a fixed product and start treating audiences like people looking for connection.Key topics covered:🏛️ Running a venue that's four different businesses under one roof🔤 The rebrand that turned into a literal error code🎟️ Killing fixed seats to grow membership 6x🎻 Why classical audiences aren't as traditional as you'd think💶 What pay-what-you-can pricing actually does to revenue🖥️ Why cultural venues don't need a CTO, but do need the right questions askedKarel Lievens is Digital Strategist at Viernulvier, an arts centre and multi-use venue in Ghent, Belgium.Want more CultureTalk episodes? Listen on your favourite streaming platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f/culturetalkSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/Music by https://pixabay.com/users/aurosonmusic-56192371/
16 Mar 2026
CultureTalk: Rethinking Digital Investment in Arts and Culture with Ben Park
What happens when someone who's worked both sides of the CultureTech relationship – running a venue and working inside a leading sector platform – looks at where the cultural sector is now?In this episode of CultureTalk, we're joined by Ben Park, a culture and entertainment sector consultant with over 20 years of experience. Ben spent 12 years at Spektrix, joining when it was a small startup and growing with the company as it became a sector standard. Before that, he worked venue-side at The Place, a contemporary dance theatre in London. He now runs his own consultancy helping cultural organisations and technology suppliers unlock growth.We explore why websites have been slower than ticketing systems to make the shift to SaaS, what "control" actually means when venues hand their technology to a third party, and whether the funding model the sector relies on is holding back digital progress. We also get into vendor responsibility, peer-to-peer learning, skills development, and where AI fits into all of this.Key topics covered:💻 Why websites have lagged behind ticketing in SaaS adoption🏛️ The real meaning of "control" in cultural technology decisions💰 CapEx vs OpEx – and why the distinction matters more than ever🤝 What effective vendor-led community building looks like🧠 Skills development and the sector's digital literacy gap🤖 How the sector should be approaching AI adoption🔗 The case for peer-to-peer learning between venuesFeaturing Ben ParkConsultant, BenPark.netWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3fSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.
18 Feb 2026
CultureTalk: Unlocking Civic Powerhouses on Your Doorstep with Future Arts Centres
Arts centres are civic powerhouses – rooted in their communities, balancing artistic ambition with social responsibility, and doing it all on tight margins. So why is their potential still underestimated?In this episode of CultureTalk, we're joined by Annabel Turpin, CEO of Storyhouse in Chester, and Gavin Barlow, former chief executive of the Albany in Deptford. Together they co-lead Future Arts Centres, a network of over 180 art centres across the UK.Key topics covered:🏛️ The unique civic role of arts centres in local communities🤝 How peer networks are changing arts leadership📣 Advocating for the sector — what's working and what isn't💡 Shifting mindsets around risk, innovation and sustainability🌱 Why now is a great time to lead an arts centreFeaturing:Annabel Turpin, CEO, Storyhouse — storyhouse.comGavin Barlow, Capital Project Director, the Albany — thealbany.org.ukFuture Arts Centres — futureartscentres.org.ukWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488Subscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture. New episodes every month.
14 Nov 2025
CultureTalk: Radical Storytelling Ushers in a New Era of Opera with Calgary Opera’s Sue Elliott
How can one of the world's oldest art forms become urgently relevant to contemporary audiences? Join us for a powerful conversation with Sue Elliott, General Director and CEO of Calgary Opera, who is revolutionising how opera engages with communities by telling stories that matter.Drawing from nearly two decades of groundbreaking work at Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, and now Calgary Opera, Sue shares how documentary-style approaches to opera programming can transform perceptions, build deep community connections, and make opera feel essential rather than elitist. From collecting stories from hundreds of refugees to creating immersive theatrical experiences around Japanese-American incarceration, Sue demonstrates the transformative power of "artistic humility" combined with bold creative vision.Key topics covered:🎭 Why documentary and journalistic approaches work for opera🌍 Engaging 234,000 people through The Refuge project🎵 Creating the world's first mariachi opera🏛️ Moving beyond demographic segmentation to curiosity-based audience development🤝 Building sustainable audiences through community programming💡 The affinity model: seven ways people connect with opera⚡ Why technology must be as easy as buying a book on AmazonFeaturing Sue ElliottGeneral Director and CEO, Calgary Operahttps://www.calgaryopera.comWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3fSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/
1 Oct 2025
CultureTalk: Why Arts Marketers Must Become Audience Champions featuring Katy Raines from Indigo
Why aren't audiences coming back after their first visit? Join us for a compelling conversation with Katy Raines, Founder and CEO of Indigo, who's been transforming how cultural organisations understand and connect with their audiences for 18 years.Drawing from groundbreaking research including the Missing Audiences study and Tomorrow's Audience insights, Katy challenges some uncomfortable truths about the sector: Are we only listening to the loudest voices? Is classical music mystifying newcomers with unexplained rituals? And could the structures of power be holding us back more than we realise?Key topics covered:👥 Why 50% of first-time visitors never return (and what to do about it)🎯 Moving beyond demographics to understand audience needs🎭 Breaking down the invisible barriers in cultural experiences📊 Using behavioural data effectively without overwhelming your team⚖️ Confronting elitism in cultural sector leadership🌱 Why AI could be both the challenge and the antidote for the futureFeaturing Katy RainesCEO, Indigohttps://indigo-ltd.comResources mentioned:🔗 CultureHive: https://www.culturehive.co.uk/🔗 Indigo Share platform for real-time audience insights: https://www.indigo-ltd.com/shareWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPC...🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768...Subscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/
12 Aug 2025
CultureTalk: Breaking Down Digital Accessibility Barriers in Arts & Culture
Why is digital accessibility in the cultural sector such a minefield despite decades of guidelines? Join us for an honest conversation about the real barriers facing arts organisations and practical solutions that actually work.With roughly 1 in 6 people experiencing some form of disability, cultural venues risk excluding substantial audiences through inaccessible websites. Our guests reveal why the problem isn't just about budget or technical knowledge – it's about systemic issues and the need for better support structures.Featured Guests:Pim Teeuwisse - Co-Founder, Accessibility DeskGeorge Hill - Chief Experience Officer, CultureSuiteKey Topics Covered:⚡ Why accessibility education is missing the mark🎨 The hidden costs of inaccessible websites🌟 Platform-wide vs individual venue solutions💡 Simple tests anyone can do right now🚀 How emerging technologies can help📊 The business case beyond complianceDiscover why keyboard navigation testing, colour contrast basics, and treating accessibility as quality control rather than an afterthought can transform your digital presence.Pim mentions the POUR principles in the podcast. Here's more information about them: https://www.culturesuite.co/resources/articles/digital-accessibility-for-all-understanding-wcag-2-2-in-arts-cultureWant more CultureTalk?🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f/culturetalkSubscribe for monthly insights from leaders in arts and culture!#DigitalAccessibility #ArtsAndCulture #WCAG #CulturalSector #WebAccessibility #InclusiveDesign #CultureTalk
9 May 2025
CultureTalk: Why Digital Projects Fail and How to Set Them Up for Success with Ash Mann
This article by Ash talks about the Enable-Engage-Express framework that we reference in the interview as well as his two-axis model for understanding how different digital activities differ in function and focus: https://www.ashmann.co/what-do-we-actually-mean-when-we-say-digital/
Digital strategy consultant Ash Mann brings clear-eyed insights from his research on why digital projects succeed or fail in arts and culture organisations. With 20 years of experience spanning in-house roles, agency leadership, and independent consulting, Ash shares:
🟢 Why digital failures are rarely technical but organisational
🟢 His Enable-Engage-Express framework for understanding digital activity
🟢 How museums and performing arts venues approach digital differently
🟢 Practical low-risk experiments for organisations beginning their digital journey
🟢 What cultural leaders need most: clarity and "digital imagination"
🟢 Real success stories from the Royal Academy, Bridge Theatre, and National Theatre
This conversation offers both reassurance for digital practitioners and practical guidance for cultural leaders navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.
About Ash Mann:
Ash is an advisor, strategist and facilitator who has worked on hundreds of digital projects in the cultural sector. He hosts the Digital Works podcast and conference, creating spaces for important conversations about digital development in arts and culture.
Connect with Ash at: https://ashmann.co
Want more CultureTalk episodes? Listen on your favourite streaming platform:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488
🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f
Subscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.
Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/
16 Apr 2025
CultureTalk: How Content Strategy Shapes Cultural Engagement with One Further’s Georgina Brooke
Senior Content Strategist Georgina Brooke joins us to discuss how cultural organisations can cut through digital noise, build meaningful audience connections, and create sustainable digital strategies. From her experiences at Oxford University, National Museum of Scotland, and the Ashmolean Museum, Georgina shares practical insights on developing effective content approaches that truly resonate with audiences.
Key topics covered:
🖋️ Why content strategy matters in an overcrowded digital landscape
👩👩👦👦 Building digital fandoms that generate sustainable revenue
📱 Navigating the volatility of social media platforms
🖥️ Why digital should be viewed as a product in its own right
📰 Creating content that works across diverse collections
🕹️ The skills challenges facing cultural organisations
Georgina Brooke is Senior Content Strategist at One Further [https://www.onefurther.com/], a digital agency that helps cultural organisations analyse and improve their digital presence, working with institutions like the British Museum, Tate and Shakespeare's Globe.
Want more CultureTalk episodes? Listen on your favourite streaming platform:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488
🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f/culturetalk
Subscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.
Learn more about CultureSuite at: https://www.culturesuite.co/
17 Mar 2025
CultureTalk: Putting People First in Digital Strategy for Cultural Organisations with Steve Plummer
As digital evolution reshapes the cultural sector, how can arts organisations develop sustainable technology strategies? Join us for a refreshing conversation with Steve Plummer from One Pebble Consulting, who challenges traditional thinking about digital transformation. With 25+ years of experience and nearly 50 digital roadmaps delivered, Steve brings practical wisdom to technological change in arts and cultural organisations.Discover why "digital evolution" trumps "transformation" and learn about the "Three Ps" methodology that prioritises People before Process and Platforms. Steve shares insights from his work with venues of all sizes—from three-person theatre companies to major national institutions—offering an affordable, human-centred approach to digital strategy.Key topics covered:🔄 Why evolution beats transformation for sustainable digital change👥 The critical importance of people in successful technology adoption⚡ Practical approaches for implementing digital strategies with limited resources🧠 Purpose-driven approaches to emerging technologies like AI💡 Quick wins that build momentum and staff buy-inFeaturing Steve PlummerFounder, One Pebble Consultinghttps://onepebbleconsulting.comWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3fSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.#ArtsAndCulture #DigitalStrategy #DigitalInnovation #CultureTalk
20 Feb 2025
CultureTalk: Playful Innovation and AI’s Role in Culture with Jocelyn Burnham
As artificial intelligence reshapes the cultural sector, how can arts organisations find a balanced path forward? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jocelyn Burnham from AI for Culture, who brings a refreshingly nuanced perspective to this complex landscape.Drawing from over a decade of experience and work with organisations like Arts Council England and Tate Modern, Jocelyn advocates for a more playful, experimental approach to AI adoption. Learn why "learning about AI is not the same as loving AI" and how venues can maintain their cultural values while navigating this technological evolution.Key topics covered:⚡ Balancing AI adoption with ethical considerations🎨 AI's role in creative processes🌱 Environmental impact of AI systems🤝 Maintaining human connections in automated processes💡 Practical guidance for AI implementationFeaturing Jocelyn BurnhamFounder, AI for Culturehttps://aiforculture.comWant more CultureTalk? Listen on your favourite platform:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3fSubscribe for more insights from leaders in arts and culture! New episodes every month.#ArtsAndCulture #AI #DigitalTransformation #CulturalSector #ArtsTech #Innovation #CultureTalk
24 Jan 2025
CultureTalk Episode 8: Embracing Digital Transformation and the Power of Culture with Queens Theatre
Queens Theatre's Director of Operations Jay Rogers discusses digital transformation, pandemic recovery, and making theatre accessible in NYC's most diverse borough. Learn how this historic World's Fair venue balances tradition with innovation.https://www.culturesuite.co/
24 Jan 2025
CultureTalk Episode 7: Uncovering the Hidden Environmental Cost of Digital Technology with GoCodeGreen
Explore how cultural organisations can balance digital engagement with environmental responsibility. GoCodeGreen's Gareth Edwards highlights the carbon impact of streaming, AI, and digital infrastructure.
24 Jan 2025
CultureTalk Episode 6: Making Sense of Audience Data with Insights from The Audience Agency
Join Oliver Mantell from The Audience Agency as he explores how venues can leverage audience insights, embrace AI, and implement practical data strategies – all while keeping the human element at the heart of arts marketing.
24 Jan 2025
CultureTalk Episode 5: How Different Breed is Reshaping the Way We Solve Ticketing and Accessibility
From personal struggles to industry-changing solutions: Craig Pryde discusses Different Breed's [https://differentbreed.events/] mission to make events accessible for all. Learn more about the more overlooked aspects of event accessibility and ticketing.
24 Jan 2025
CultureTalk Episode 4: Revitalising Communities through Culture with Paul Callaghan
In this fascinating edition of CultureTalk, Paul Callaghan, Chair of The Board of Trustees for MAC Sunderland, shared his insights on using culture to revitalise communities, the challenges of arts funding, and the future of the cultural sector in the UK. Discover how grassroots initiatives can transform regions and lives.
24 Jan 2025
CultureTalk Episode 3: Navigating the Ticketing Landscape with Andrew Thomas
Journey through the evolution of ticketing with Andrew Thomas, Director of Ticketing Professionals Conference. From shoeboxes to smartphones, discover how digital technology has transformed the arts and culture sector, and learn why accessible professional development is crucial for the industry's future.
10 Jul 2024
CultureTalk Episode 2: Transforming Access in the Entertainment Industry
Join us in this episode of CultureTalk as we speak with Martin Austin, Founder and Managing Director of Nimbus Disability, about how the pioneering Access Card is transforming accessibility in arts, culture, and entertainment venues. Discover Martin's personal experiences, the impact of accessibility, and Nimbus' future ambitions.
12 Jun 2024
CultureTalk Episode 1: Unlocking the Power of Data with Kulturdata
Join us in an insightful conversation with Frederik Fabricius, founder of Kulturdata, as we discuss how data and digitalisation are revolutionising audience engagement and development in the arts and culture sector. Discover innovative strategies and practical tips for leveraging data to enhance your cultural organisation's outreach and impact.
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