Now, New and Next: The Arts and Technology, what’s next for fundraising?

Now, New and Next: The Arts and Technology, what’s next for fundraising?

By Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy

SUMMARY

What are arts organisations doing in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)? And how can such technologies support our fundraising strategies? This edition of Now, New and Next from Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy provides a snapshot of ideas to spark interest and thinking and gives some ideas about where and how fundraising teams might invest.

Of course, technology is all around us, and every organisation is under pressure to explore, develop and invest in technology. However, given the pace of change and the high costs of adopting new ways of working, it can be particularly challenging for arts
organisations to respond to this agenda, along with all the other urgent needs and day to day pressures of delivering artistic programmes.

So what are arts organisations doing in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)? And how can such technologies support our fundraising strategies?

The chapters in this edition are the result of desk research, case studies and interviews with arts organisations. It is intended to be a snapshot of ideas to spark interest and thinking amongst those working in arts fundraising, and to give some ideas about where and how fundraising teams might invest.

Hopefully, some of the narrative will support organisations to take steps to consider broader engagement with technology and to think ahead to which areas might support the needs and curiosity of future audiences and donors. If you have case studies or ideas in the field of arts and technology and would be interested in contributing an article to a future issue, please send us an email to artsfundraising@cause4.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!

Thank you for reading!

Head and shoulders Michelle Wright

Michelle Wright, Director of Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy


Contents

The arts and technology, what’s next for fundraising? by Michelle Wright

Interview with digital expert Zoe Amar

What are the key trends in the use of digital and technology to support fundraising in the cultural sector? by Rebecca Ward

Covid-19 and the drive for arts organisations to develop digital programmes by Lucy Pratt

Immersive Culture: How immersive digital experiences can drive new forms of engagement and fundraising in arts & culture by Alex Book

Immersive Art Experiences: The Future of Fundraising? by Thomas Williams 

Crowdfunding: connecting your crowd by Jo Breeze

Comment: Artificial Intelligence – A Fundraising Threat or Opportunity for the Cultural Sector? by Ben Wilson

Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility when using new technologies by Annie Jarvis

What is the potential for arts organisations to use blockchain technology to support with fundraising? by Rebecca Ward

Showcasing innovation in arts and technology (3 case studies)
- The Museum of Modern Art
- Hear Me Out
- Saving The Brontë Birthplace


Download the full edition of The Arts and technology, what's next for fundraising? (PDF )

Resource type: Articles | Published: 2025