There is so much about AI in the news and it feels like everywhere you look there are conferences, events, workshops and training on the subject. There's a momentum behind AI adoption that is unlike any other, creating a FOMO that is fraught with danger. The fact AI exists (mostly) within a commercial landscape dominated by a few big tech players, does not sit well for us in the cultural sector. We want our use of any technologies, tools, process or systems to be values driven, benefit our communities and be in line with our mission and purpose. So what should we do?
For more than 10 years at The Audience Agency we have been promoting an ‘approach’ to using, managing, creating or understanding digital that is fundamentally human-centred. This means that it starts with people and does not let go of that commitment. We advocate for an approach that is contextual (fit for their unique setting and needs), holistic (involving vision, leadership, process, culture and people) and purposeful (always aligned to the institution’s social mission).
This approach has been baked into our work at a European level within the Guide to Digital Transformation and underpins our hugely successful action research programme Let’s Get Real – which is now in its 15th year.
This approach means that when we are working with cultural organisations to help them develop their digital literacy, (including AI) we start with emotions and how their teams ‘feel’ about AI. This approach has been well received across our workshops, training and consultancy, reflecting its strong, people-focused foundation rather than a purely technology-led approach.
Our next cohort for Let’s Get Real is recruiting 16 bold and brave organisations to sign up to eight months of building clarity, capability and the governance needed to decide whether or not AI can strengthen their social mission. Working together, with experts, and with playfulness and vulnerability, they will consider how AI might meaningfully support their organisations and offer genuine room for innovation. Each cohort combines small-scale experimentation, peer learning, and expert support to turn insight into lasting organisational change. You can find out more about how to sign up and what is involved here: https://theaudienceagency.org/en/what-we-do/lets-get-real/social-impact-ai
If you are reading this and feeling this approach is the right one for you and your organisation, then do reach out for a chat about how we may be able to help you.
