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
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How Museums Are Dealing With New Media Art: Part 1

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How Museums Are Dealing With New Media Art: Part 1

When talking about new media art, there is no single definition. According to a 2001 research study by the Rockefeller Foundation, media artworks can be defined according to nine common elements: fluidity, intangibility, liveness, variability, replicability, connectivity, interactivity, computability, and chance. New media art is a very general and broad category and includes many subcategories. Among these, net art, digital art and plurimedia art are the most common within the visual art field. Nevertheless, the meaning of new media is constantly evolving.

The App as a new artistic medium, and the future of the music industry

The App as a new artistic medium, and the future of the music industry

More than any other artistic discipline, musicians have had the fundamental business models of their art form changed through the advent of new technology. At the same time, and out of necessity, the music industry has adapted more rapidly to new technology than any other art form, embracing technological innovation when possible. In their search for more sustainable ways to produce, deliver and experience music, some of the most famous and research driven musicians are experimenting with one of the world’s most used technologic tools: the App.

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A Case for Using Google Analytics’ Dashboards

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A Case for Using Google Analytics’ Dashboards

Google Analytics dashboards help users efficiently review important metrics and dimensions, like traffic sources or social media shares, quickly generate reporting tools, and create data-friendly cultures through easy sharing and visually storytelling. Learn about how dashboards can not only help managers process website information, but also how they can effectively communicate that information to a broader audience. 

Research Update: Best Practices of Social Media

Research Update: Best Practices of Social Media

Social media use has become nearly universal among arts organizations. A 2012 social media study conducted by Pew Research Center demonstrated just how widespread social media usage was, with Facebook and Twitter as the most popular platforms by far. What best practices exist for social media use, and is managing more platforms necessarily better? 

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Research Update: Crowd-Funding through Google

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Research Update: Crowd-Funding through Google

With the development of crowd-funding programs through companies such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Patreon, artists have many new ways to generate both funding and visibility.  Arts and culture organizations have a harder time competing with individual artists on these platforms.  In an effort to assist these organizations as they try to change the world, Google now offers its own crowd-funding platform for nonprofit organizations: Google’s One Today.

News Summary 10.2014

News Summary 10.2014

Every month, AMT Lab publishes a collection of recent arts management and technology news. This month, many articles focused on how the latest technologies, such as 3D printing, can be used to create art. Technology has had a profound impact on cultural industries, and as always we are deeply interested in following these trends.

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Interweaving Social: Managing and implementing social media in artistic programming

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Interweaving Social: Managing and implementing social media in artistic programming

In 2012, Dog & Pony DC, a small theatre company in Washington D.C., encouraged audiences to direct the plot of a show and influence characters using Twitter. In A Killing Game, audiences and actors stood side-by-side, immersing themselves in a collaborative artistic experience. In order to learn more about the company’s decision to utilize social media, and its approach to integrating the technology and management of its uses, AMT Lab’s Kristen Sorek West spoke to company director, Rachel Grossman. 

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Promoting Digital Media Art through Digital Media tools

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Promoting Digital Media Art through Digital Media tools

In our technology-stuffed world, the difficulties faced by video artists seem paradoxical. Due to high up-front costs, and the difficulty of handling and selling digital technologies, established institutions such as art galleries and museums often shun their work. Artists may look at the entertainment industry as an alternative, but find themselves unfulfilled, as musicians typically come first in these sorts of collaborations.

Research Update: Using Google Analytics to Derive Insights from Data

Research Update: Using Google Analytics to Derive Insights from Data

In November 2012, NTEN and Idealware released the results of a survey studying nonprofit’s data use. Surprisingly, “outreach” data, or data relating to marketing, fundraising, and general communication activities, was commonly collected but infrequently used to inform future decisions. For instance, NTEN and Idealware discovered that 71% of those surveyed tracked the number of people on their mailing lists, yet only 23% used that data to inform spending and budgeting decisions.

Research Update: Google for Nonprofit Arts

Research Update: Google for Nonprofit Arts

In today’s culture, Google is seen as one of the most innovative technology companies in the world.  From its search engine to the Android operating system, Google has permeated every aspect of our techno-centric lifestyles.  Beyond the scope of their technological accomplishments, Google strives to help nonprofit organizations around the world by providing them with free online tools and access to grant monies.  Follow the development of this research here.

News Summary 09.2014

News Summary 09.2014

Every month, AMTLab publishes a collection of recent news in the field of arts management and technology. After a summer hiatus, we’re back with a selection of articles showcasing some of the trends and highlights of September 2014. We’ve paid special attention to the heated discussion around net neutrality, how museums have integrated technology into their exhibits, and effective use of social media.

Welcome to AMT Lab!

Welcome to AMT Lab!

Hello readers!

As the new Chief Editor of AMT Lab, I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I’ve long inhabited the role so familiar to readers of our blog – that of the “accidental techie.” Whether in my personal or professional life, my enthusiasm for all things tech has given me ample experience solving both hardware and software issues, as well as a healthy appetite for tech news. Last year, AMT Lab allowed me to feed my dual passions of art and technology, and I’m honored and excited to be taking over as Chief Editor from the incredible Katherine Schouten.

Based on the results of our 2014 reader poll, I have worked with the staff to create our research areas for the year.  From these frameworks and our current contributor’s areas of interest, we’ve settled on a diverse set of material to serve your needs. Over the next few months, contributors will research their specific area of interest and share their insights as they progress.

Tips for Choosing a Grants Management System: Part 2

Tips for Choosing a Grants Management System: Part 2

Throughout the process of selecting and implementing a grants management system (GMS), an arts organization must consider many factors in order to ensure positive results. These factors fall into four main categories: vendor interviews, data migration, integration, and training. All of equal importance, these categories must be weighed to find the optimum balance of system features and vendor characteristics.

Today we focus on the last two categories—integration and training. To read the first part of this two-part series, click here.

Tips for Choosing a Grants Management System: Part 1

Tips for Choosing a Grants Management System: Part 1

Throughout the process of selecting and implementing a grants management system (GMS), an arts organization must consider many factors in order to ensure positive results. These factors fall into four main categories: vendor interviews, data migration, integration, and training. All of equal importance, these categories must be weighed to find the optimum balance of system features and vendor characteristics.

Today we focus on the first two categories—vendor interviews and data migration.

The Importance of Change Management

The Importance of Change Management

When implementing new technology, such as a new CRM system, many organizations have learned the basics of how to select a product or vendor. But what about after the technology is selected? It can be overwhelming to consider the unpredictable changes that will occur among the flow or your organization’s work and even among its culture. However, by taking steps to manage the change, new technology can be integrated into an organization much more smoothly.

National Satisfaction with GMS Software

National Satisfaction with GMS Software

Today, an administrator has the ability to manage the entire granting lifecycle through a grants management system (GMS), including applicant relations, panelist reviews, and fund distributions. Online storage available through cloud computing and software with fewer hardware requirements have increased GMS product capabilities. And the ability for a GMS to interact with other systems, such as payment portals and accounting systems, has further made management of the grant lifecycle within a GMS easier. For many of today’s grant-making organizations, GMS software is an essential tool in day-to-day activities.

Innovation in Hindsight

Innovation in Hindsight

One of the too-many-hats I wear is that of historian. We can learn so much about the future if we look back (short-term or long-term) and reflect. Trite but true, we are our history. So listening to MIT's Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte's Ted Talk was a unique happy moment, as he eloquently reveals how predicting the future comes out of an extension of knowledge of the past.