Blockchain, Digital Futures, Emerging Technology
Staff Researcher
Blockchains or Pawprints? Furries as a ...

This article explores the intersection of digital art, NFTs, and community governance through the lens of the furry fandom, a decentralized community of artists and enthusiasts. With the rise of NFTs, the ability to authenticate digital art and protect creators' work has become a critical concern. The study examines the resistance within the furry community to adopt NFTs, highlighting their reliance on community-based trust and governance over "trustless" blockchain systems. While some see potential in NFTs to safeguard intellectual property, many furries are skeptical, valuing social trust and ethics over commercialization. By studying the furry subculture's approach to art ownership and the challenges they face, the article poses larger questions about the future of NFTs and blockchain technology in creative spaces.

Blockchains or Pawprints? Furries as a case-study for understanding digital art provenance through NFTs and community governance
Arts & Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Futures, Emerging Technology, Marketing, Research, Podcast
Brett Ashley Crawford, Ph.D.
The Future is Now: Our Most-Read Articles and ...

As technology continues to reshape the arts and entertainment landscape, our readers and listeners have shown a clear appetite for understanding these transformations. From AI's role in creative processes to the evolution of virtual reality and streaming, this year's most popular content reveals the questions on everyone's minds.

The Future is Now: Our Most-Read Articles and Most-Downloaded Podcasts of the Year
creative industries, Film, entertainment, Arts & Technology
Staff Researcher
Behind the LED Wall: Technology, Labor, and ...

This article explores the rise of virtual production (VP) and its impact on contemporary filmmaking through the use of large-scale LED volumes that merge physical sets with real-time digital environments. Using high-profile productions such as The Mandalorian and 1899 as case studies, it examines how VP reshapes creative workflows across departments, redistributes labor rather than eliminating it, and demands new hybrid skill sets from designers, location managers, and technicians. The piece also addresses the role of labor unions and training programs in adapting to emerging technologies, alongside the economic challenges of scalability, access, and high upfront costs. Ultimately, the article positions virtual production as a transformative - yet uneven - evolution in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for equitable training and infrastructure as VP becomes a lasting mode of production.

Behind the LED Wall: Technology, Labor, and Economics in Virtual Production
Extended Reality, Digital Futures, Arts & Technology
Staff Researcher
Extending Reality in Actor Training: Benefits, ...

This article explores how extended reality (XR) - including augmented, mixed, and virtual reality - is reshaping acting training by layering immersive technologies onto long-established methods like Stanislavski-based technique and the Method. Drawing on examples from Basrah to Juilliard and Odin Teatret, the piece shows how XR can deepen character work, expand dramaturgical research, and personalize feedback through data-driven simulations. At the same time, it raises urgent legal, ethical, and social questions around biometric data, FERPA and HIPAA protections, digital Blackface, and harassment in virtual spaces. Rather than treating XR as a magic solution, the article argues that thoughtful pedagogy, clear institutional policies, and equity-minded design are essential if these tools are to support - not replace - human-centered theatre education.

Extending Reality in Actor Training: Benefits, Repercussions, & Legal Implications
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
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VR, Simulcast & Growing Theatre Audiences: Connecting with Remote Theater Audiences through 360-degree Simulcast

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VR, Simulcast & Growing Theatre Audiences: Connecting with Remote Theater Audiences through 360-degree Simulcast

Technologically enhanced theatre experiences can extend beyond the use of cutting edge performance light and sound tech. Today’s technology allows theaters to reach audiences outside of their physical space through livestreaming performances in Virtual Reality (VR) with VR being defined as an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment. Furthermore, livestreaming, defined as when a person or organization “transmit[s] or receive live video and audio coverage of (an event) over the Internet” is becoming a routine part of standard social network experience. Livestreaming through VR, while still a relatively new concept, may allow the virtual audience watching the livestream to feel much more present at the performance than ever before and therefore a theater’s potential audience engagement opportunities.

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What You Were Reading in 2019: Top 10 in Arts Management & Technology

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What You Were Reading in 2019: Top 10 in Arts Management & Technology

In 2019 the Arts Management and Technology Lab researched a wide breadth of content, from product reviews of image editing software to industry analysis of music streaming. As the year draws to a close, looking back through Google analytics offers a perspective on what the arts management field was particularly keen to learn over the year. Read on to see if the top topics align with any of your particular interests or passions.

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Artifical Intelligence and Audience Engagement for the Performing Arts

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Artifical Intelligence and Audience Engagement for the Performing Arts

As time goes on, it’s clear that artificial intelligence will continue to find its place in the arts. Using AI to build connections with audiences, in particular, is an interesting and developing sector of arts and technology. The performing arts are primed for a technology jumpstart and a reassessment of audience engagement tactics. Now, more than ever, the opportunities for the integration of artificial intelligence and audience engagement in the performing arts are ripe for exploration.

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Libby Review: A Reader App

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Libby Review: A Reader App

The winter break can be a great time to pull out a neglected reading list, whether it is for your favorite novels or book recommendations by friends. Normally, this can be done by visiting the local library, but unfortunately, this is not possible when traveling for the holidays. Fortunately, there is an app called Libby, by Overdrive, which is an e-book/audiobook reader app.

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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.

Exploring An Equity & Inclusivity Problem: Gender & Ethnic Diversity in Video Games: Part 1

Exploring An Equity & Inclusivity Problem: Gender & Ethnic Diversity in Video Games: Part 1

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.

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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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Practical Considerations for Implementing Virtual Reality in Arts Educational Settings

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Practical Considerations for Implementing Virtual Reality in Arts Educational Settings

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.

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Future Trends of Music Streaming Services: Part 2

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Future Trends of Music Streaming Services: Part 2

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.

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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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A Competitive Analysis of the Music Streaming Industry: Part 1

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A Competitive Analysis of the Music Streaming Industry: Part 1

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. 

Fostering Environmentally-Friendly Practices in Collegiate Theatre

Fostering Environmentally-Friendly Practices in Collegiate Theatre

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.

What is Internet2 and How Can Music Education Programs Use It?

What is Internet2 and How Can Music Education Programs Use It?

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.