Public Policy, creative industries
Ian Hawthorne
Frameworks for Understanding Cultural Policy: ...

This article analyzes Ireland’s emerging position as a global cultural policy case study, focusing on the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) program and its place within the national framework Culture 2025. While Ireland’s consensus-driven political system, strong arts advocacy networks, and history of support for artist income have enabled an ambitious, research-oriented basic income pilot, the article highlights deeper tensions within cultural policymaking. Drawing on Stephen Hadley’s concept of “cultural policy realism,” it argues that Ireland’s policies—despite their novelty—remain rooted in traditional, instrumentalist views of culture as an economic engine and national branding tool. By contrasting democratization of culture with cultural democracy, the piece situates Ireland’s model between innovation and reversion, emphasizing the need for sustained experimentation, critical evaluation, and more genuinely democratic approaches to cultural support.

Frameworks for Understanding Cultural Policy: Lessons from the Irish Model
Gamification, Research, Artificial Intelligence
Staff Researcher
Part II - The Role of AI in Evolving Game ...

This study advances Part II by translating Scopely’s strategy into an execution plan across three tracks - NPC innovation, intelligent monetization, and ethical LiveOps - supported by new evidence from a 1,159-response consumer survey, nine expert interviews (developers, influencers, and experiential professionals), and secondary industry research. Part I established the market context for AI’s disruptive potential and identified three priorities: live operations evolution, commerce optimization, and advanced player analytics. The goal of this phase is to pinpoint the highest-leverage AI applications that deepen gameplay engagement, convert payment resistance through demonstrated value, and safeguard community trust. Accordingly, Part II outlines actionable playbooks (context-aware NPCs and adaptive narratives), platform tactics (purchase-aligned mobile personalization and cross-play integration), and operational models (behavior-based matchmaking and transparency protocols) designed to drive scalable, technology-led growth while preserving the integrity of shared human play.

Part II - The Role of AI in Evolving Game Ecosystems and Player Dynamics
Artificial Intelligence, entertainment, Research
Staff Researcher
Part I - Beyond the Screen: The Role of AI in ...

This study provides a comprehensive analysis for Scopely to enhance its position as a leader in interactive and mobile gaming, focusing on AI integration in live operations, in-game commerce, and player analytics. The research reveals the urgent need for gaming companies to navigate accelerated AI adoption and evolving player expectations for personalized experiences. The goal is to identify the most impactful AI applications over the next three years and strategies that maximize engagement and monetization while maintaining player trust. Significant to this goal is balancing innovation with ethical considerations, including data privacy and transparency, while recognizing AI's potential to enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences. Employing a mixed-methods approach with industry interviews, a survey of over 1,000 U.S. gamers, and secondary research, Part I establishes the foundation for understanding AI's transformative impact - setting the stage for Part II's empirical findings and strategic recommendations.

Part I - Beyond the Screen: The Role of AI in Evolving Game Ecosystems and Player Dynamics
News & Announcements, museums
Hales Wilson
Byte-Sized Culture: The Art of Stealing

A daylight robbery at the Musée du Louvre in mid-October resulted in the theft of eight priceless pieces from the French Crown Jewels housed in the Galerie d’Apollon. The incident now serves as an in-depth analysis for arts leaders globally to confront not only external threats, like highly organized professional thieves, but also the complex, internal risk of compromised staff and the urgent need to re-evaluate their security posture, technological investment, and institutional accountability.

Byte-Sized Culture: The Art of Stealing
entertainment, Extended Reality, Digital Futures
Staff Researcher
The Use of Immersive Technology in Live Music: ...

As immersive technologies redefine the live concert experience, artists and virtual idols alike are transforming how audiences engage with music. From Hatsune Miku’s “holographic” performances powered by projection and LED technologies to VR concerts by creators like BlackGryph0n and Gorillaz, extended reality (XR) is blurring the lines between physical and digital performance. This article explores the evolution of Vocaloid software, the artistry behind digital concerts, and the growing influence of augmented and virtual reality in live music. As AR and VR become more accessible, musicians and fans alike are discovering new ways to connect—reshaping what it means to perform, attend, and experience music in the digital age.

The Use of Immersive Technology in Live Music: Vocaloid, Digital Concerts and XR Implementation

Research

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Part II - The Role of AI in Evolving Game Ecosystems and Player Dynamics

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Part II - The Role of AI in Evolving Game Ecosystems and Player Dynamics

This study advances Part II by translating Scopely’s strategy into an execution plan across three tracks - NPC innovation, intelligent monetization, and ethical LiveOps - supported by new evidence from a 1,159-response consumer survey, nine expert interviews (developers, influencers, and experiential professionals), and secondary industry research. Part I established the market context for AI’s disruptive potential and identified three priorities: live operations evolution, commerce optimization, and advanced player analytics. The goal of this phase is to pinpoint the highest-leverage AI applications that deepen gameplay engagement, convert payment resistance through demonstrated value, and safeguard community trust. Accordingly, Part II outlines actionable playbooks (context-aware NPCs and adaptive narratives), platform tactics (purchase-aligned mobile personalization and cross-play integration), and operational models (behavior-based matchmaking and transparency protocols) designed to drive scalable, technology-led growth while preserving the integrity of shared human play.

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Part I - Beyond the Screen: The Role of AI in Evolving Game Ecosystems and Player Dynamics

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Part I - Beyond the Screen: The Role of AI in Evolving Game Ecosystems and Player Dynamics

This study provides a comprehensive analysis for Scopely to enhance its position as a leader in interactive and mobile gaming, focusing on AI integration in live operations, in-game commerce, and player analytics. The research reveals the urgent need for gaming companies to navigate accelerated AI adoption and evolving player expectations for personalized experiences. The goal is to identify the most impactful AI applications over the next three years and strategies that maximize engagement and monetization while maintaining player trust. Significant to this goal is balancing innovation with ethical considerations, including data privacy and transparency, while recognizing AI's potential to enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences. Employing a mixed-methods approach with industry interviews, a survey of over 1,000 U.S. gamers, and secondary research, Part I establishes the foundation for understanding AI's transformative impact - setting the stage for Part II's empirical findings and strategic recommendations.

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART II

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART II

This study provides a comprehensive strategy for Shaboom Records to enhance its status as an independent music label in a highly competitive market, focusing on three key areas: revenue growth, digital service provider (DSP) strategies, and fan engagement. The supportive research reveals the need for companies to effectively navigate changes in the music industry, such as globalization and the rise of streaming. The goal of this research is to identify the most effective revenue streams for U.S. independent labels expanding into emerging global markets and the digital engagement strategies that yield the highest conversion rates and retention metrics for Gen Z and Gen Alpha listeners. Significant to this goal is the recognition that DSP optimization is largely based on securing relationships with playlist curators. Furthermore, social media has democratized the music industry, giving artists control over their narrative and the ability to connect with fans. 

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART I

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART I

This study provides a comprehensive strategy for Shaboom Records to enhance its status as an independent music label in a highly competitive market, focusing on three key areas: revenue growth, digital service provider (DSP) strategies, and fan engagement. The supportive research reveals the need for companies to effectively navigate changes in the music industry, such as globalization and the rise of streaming. The goal of this research is to identify the most effective revenue streams for U.S. independent labels expanding into emerging global markets and the digital engagement strategies that yield the highest conversion rates and retention metrics for Gen Z and Gen Alpha listeners. Significant to this goal is the recognition that DSP optimization is largely based on securing relationships with playlist curators. Furthermore, social media has democratized the music industry, giving artists control over their narrative and the ability to connect with fans. 

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Technology & Linguistic Representation in the Arts: A Research Report

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Technology & Linguistic Representation in the Arts: A Research Report

Linguistic representation and language-based accessibility are paramount to developing a truly inclusive artistic sector that allows diverse individuals and communities to use the arts to strengthen their identities and in turn “understand how [they] matter.” Lauren Miller’s series of articles on AMT Lab have explored the topic of linguistic accessibility and representation in the arts, and include case studies of those who are setting the best examples in the field. To explore more, check out the author’s research report on linguistic equity in the arts.

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Issues and Trends in the Creator Economy

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Issues and Trends in the Creator Economy

What is a content creator’s journey like? How do content creators grow to become media companies? What services does the creator economy need as they grow bigger? From these questions, our group makes predictions about the future of the creator economy and recommendations for how creators can thrive within the landscape.

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Multilingual Technology for Global Entertainment: A Case Study of Netflix

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Multilingual Technology for Global Entertainment: A Case Study of Netflix

Central to Netflix’s growth is the company’s keen understanding of its diverse, international markets—Netflix is the leader in multilingual access in the entertainment field. What can we learn from the company’s practice?

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The Current State of Linguistic Representation and Accessibility in the Artistic Sector

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The Current State of Linguistic Representation and Accessibility in the Artistic Sector

Language-based diversity and the related questions of physical accessibility are regularly left out of these conversations; whether conscious or not, DEI efforts in popular arts and media regularly function on the outskirts of language-based representation and accessibility. For members of minority and underrepresented demographic groups, representation in arts and entertainment not only impacts how the world sees them, but guides how they see themselves.

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The Challenge to Keep Millennials and Gen Z Interested in Long-Form, High Quality Content: Part Two

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The Challenge to Keep Millennials and Gen Z Interested in Long-Form, High Quality Content: Part Two

Social media is infused into the daily lives of Gen Z and Millennials. In order to reach and meaningfully engage with IND18-35, organizations should build a thoughtful social media presence to funnel the IND18-35 community to specific content. Initially, organizations should identify existing Gen Z and Millennial parties as key stakeholders and partner with them to create interactive, promotional content on social media. The focus should be on TikTok and YouTube as 75% of survey respondents ranked one of these platforms as their primary source of short-form content.

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Connecting People to Place: How Digital Maps Advance Civic Engagement in the Cultural Sector

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Connecting People to Place: How Digital Maps Advance Civic Engagement in the Cultural Sector

In a time where we can build and access a wealth of geographic information through our mobile devices and online, digital tools are being leveraged to make these kinds of civically engaged connections. Digital maps, in particular, have been built to service archival needs as well as transform the public’s interaction with art and archeological sites.  By examining how organizations have deployed various digital map technologies in their work, we can also see how these tools have practical value and the potential to more broadly advance the cultural fields. 

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AI & the Future Workforce of Museums

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AI & the Future Workforce of Museums

AI has, and will continue to disrupt many traditional careers. According to a report by the global consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, by the year 2030 automation and AI could force around 33 percent of the US’s projected 166 million workforce to change jobs. How will this future impact the museum sector? This report investigates the pathways for AI in the workforce and where we might begin seeing it emerging in the museum sector.

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Integrating Music Technology in the Classroom: Increasing Customization for Every Student

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Integrating Music Technology in the Classroom: Increasing Customization for Every Student

The following study investigates emerging technologies and their implications for music education, inside and outside the classroom. Learn how apps, digital instruments, practical aid technology, and wearable technology can be used to increase engagement and learning opportunities for music students in various settings.

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Live Streaming Performing Arts Using Social Media: Why, How & Best Practices

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Live Streaming Performing Arts Using Social Media: Why, How & Best Practices

As more people are consuming and participating in the arts via electronic media, it is essential for arts institutions to develop a strong online presence. Uploading content and performances online can allow more people to access the arts and learn about an institution. One strategy to increase engagement and build an online presence is through live streaming. This paper explores the benefits of live streaming, and how it can remove barriers of access to the arts. It explores various platforms for streaming, like Facebook, Periscope, Youtube, Livestream.

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New Tech Impacts Ancient Sites

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New Tech Impacts Ancient Sites

Last April, contributor Jana Fredricks attended the 2018 Museums and the Web conference in Vancouver. Amidst the chatter of digital collections, online audience engagement, and shiny new tech, she presented research on three technologies that have changed the way cultural heritage sites are understood and documented in the digital age. Her paper, Digital Tools and How We Use Them: The Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Cultural Heritage in Syria, was presented in a panel entitled Post-Colonial Digital.