International theatre festivals have long served as sites of cultural exchange, political expression, and artistic innovation. This article traces their evolution from post–World War II cultural diplomacy to their role in today’s “creative city” economy, examining how festivals reflect shifting geopolitical forces, neoliberal policies, and ongoing tensions between global prestige and local representation.
This Women's History Month, AMT Lab highlights five groundbreaking women redefining the intersection of arts and technology across disciplines spanning new media, algorithmic theater, performance art, music activism, and artificial intelligence. Each trailblazer has used the tools of her time to challenge who gets to be seen, heard, and represented. Their collective body of work makes clear that the future of art and technology will be shaped, in no small part, by women who refused to wait for a seat at the table.
In Part II, this study builds on the industry context established in Part I by shifting from macro-level analysis to audience-centered insights. While Part I identified independent adult animation as a growing global opportunity shaped by evolving production ecosystems and market conditions, Part II examines how these trends translate into audience behavior and engagement. Drawing on survey data from audiences ages 18–35 and interviews with industry professionals, this section explores what viewers are seeking from independent animated films, the factors that drive discovery and theatrical attendance, and the key elements that contribute to commercial and critical success. In doing so, Part II connects broader industry dynamics to actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making for distributors such as NEON.
This article examines how generative AI is reshaping copyright law and challenging traditional notions of authorship in the visual arts. By outlining key legal principles, including originality, fair use, and human authorship, it explores the growing tension between technological innovation and artists’ rights and highlights the urgent need for clearer legal frameworks in the age of AI.
This study provides a foundational analysis of how independent adult animation is emerging as a significant opportunity within the contemporary film industry, with a particular focus on market trends, audience engagement, and the strategic role of distributors. As global demand for animated storytelling continues to grow - driven by streaming platforms, evolving audience tastes, and international co-production networks - independent distributors face increasing pressure to identify sustainable models for developing and distributing animated films. Part I examines the evolution of the independent animation landscape and situates the project’s client, NEON’s, recent exploration of the sector within broader industry trends. Drawing on existing research, industry reports, audience surveys, and expert interviews, this section frames the study’s central research questions and methodology. By outlining the challenges and opportunities surrounding independent adult animation, Part I establishes the conceptual groundwork for the industry interviews, survey analysis, and strategic recommendations that will be presented in Part II.
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.
The video game industry expanded rapidly in the last decade with the U.S.A games market exceeding revenues of $43 billion in 2018. While there is growth, the industry is also facing an increasingly apparent and problematic disparity among audiences. In many traditional PC and console genres, women and non-white ethnicities are underrepresented both among the player-base as well as on-screen; furthermore, the player experience for underrepresented players is markedly different than their over-represented white male counterparts.
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.
As museums seek to increase engagement in both the physical museum space and across digital platforms, many are striving to create more personalized experiences that differentiate the museum visit and increase engagement with the institution and its collection. These two case studies—the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, Australia, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York—are examples of hybrid museums that successfully demonstrate how bridging the physical and virtual in the museum visitor experience can increase the length, breadth and depth of engagement with the institution and its collection.
The presence of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in arts education is growing. From museums to live music to healthcare and more, VR is beginning to change how we perceive the arts and learning. After all, this immersive experience has been proven to enhance the learning experience and achieve a higher retention of knowledge, quickly changing the learning environment. This research study investigates the opportunities presented by VR for arts education as well as the practical hurdles that need to be overcome to successfully use VR in K-12 educational settings.
The music industry faces both challenges and opportunities due to streaming technologies and must consider the long-term viability of streaming business models. New challenges emerge as consumers are listening to their music on ever-changing devices, like smart speakers. There are also varying levels of awareness and comfort of streaming platforms among different age groups. These challenges can become opportunities for businesses who understand their market and can anticipate future change. This research study explores innovations and trends expected to emerge next within the music distribution world.
This is part 1 in a two-part series examining hybrid museums that successfully demonstrate how bridging the physical and virtual in the museum visitor experience can increase the length, breadth and depth of engagement with the institution and its collection. Part 1 explores the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania.
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.
Streaming platforms have revolutionized the music industry and the way consumers discover and listen to music. Companies are having to differentiate themselves by offering unique content, focusing on the artist, or developing different price models. To better understand this landscape, we examined six of the most successful platforms for a competitive analysis to understand the existing music streaming business model.
As the public becomes increasingly aware of the disastrous effects of climate change, individuals and businesses across the globe have tried to decrease their waste by pursuing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. The theatre industry has made some attempts to follow suit, but their expenditure of resources is still extremely high. Environmentally friendly theatre practices taught at the collage level have the potential to impact the industry at large in the near future.
Imagine a network like the Internet, except exclusive in access meaning no commercialization. That’s Internet2, which exists to streamline network access for entities with a commitment to research and education.development. This paper examines the technology and its various uses to music organizations in both education and performance contexts.
A summer long weekend in Philadelphia is inspiring by the many art experiences the city has to offer. Of the museums I visited I was most impressed by both the collection and quality of experience at the Barnes Foundation. The museum has a noteworthy collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist artwork, which includes the world’s largest holdings of paintings by Renoir and Cézanne.
AMT Lab’s latest white paper is a preparatory guide for those embarking on geographic analysis for the first time. The case study explores how one organization used this type of analysis to inform decisions about donor recruitment and retention. This guide aggregates useful resources, highlights important considerations, and outlines the process of geographic analysis step-by-step using a succinct case study.
In April 2019 the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh opened MuseumLab. According to the museum “MuseumLab is a place where kids 10+ can work with makers to create everything from furniture to apps, experiment with cutting edge technology in the creation of art, climb three stories on a unique sculpture, collaborate on one-of-a-kind art installations, and more!” On a rainy summer day they kids and I decided to take a mini road trip across the city to check it out!
Elizabeth Long’s latest white paper explores how experience enhancement and the development and implementation of new programs and resources can increase accessibility for low-vision and blind individuals. It provide an overview of what is possible for museums and other visually-oriented art forms. Read the full report here!
In Washington, DC, The Museum of the Bible is strategically using various modes of technology to encourage audience engagement. The entire museum is full of interactives for an array of targeted age groups and technological comfort levels. Thoughtfully placed throughout the museum’s 7 floors, there are tech-focused interactive opportunities for individuals, small groups, and even guided experiences for up to 25 visitors at a time.
