Digital Inclusion Category

Entries are open! Closing 12pm Wednesday 23 October 2024 

About Digital Inclusion

This category recognises the innovative use of digital technology to improve access to creativity and culture for diverse and representative audiences. Entries could include but are not limited to; use of assistive technology, use of creative captioning, projects that provide affordable access to technology, or the creation of inclusive and accessible digital spaces.  

What we’re looking for: 

• Tell us how you considered the needs of your audience or participants, including consulting those with lived experiences.
• Tell us how you used the accessible first process where you consulted with people with lived experiences.  
• Tell us what steps you took to improve or increase digital inclusion or accessibility. 
• Tell us how your work widened access to creativity and culture. 

Examples:  

• You implemented a new digital solution which provided opportunities for a diverse range of creators or a wider audience.  
• You worked to increase access to digital tools and resources to widen participation in culture and creativity.  
• You used digital tools to strengthen the creative platform of an underrepresented group or community. 

An audio description of the category section is available here. 

Who can apply?​ 

All organisations and individuals who are eligible for Arts Council England funding can apply. You must be based in England and work within one of the Arts Council supported disciples. Please see the FAQs for more information.  

Why should I enter?  

The Shortlist and Winners will receive branded digital email signatures, website badges, certificates, and will be promoted on Arts Council and Digital Culture Network channels. In addition, the Winners will receive a Digital Culture Awards branded trophy, and will be featured in a Digital Culture Network Showreel video, receiving ongoing publicity across our digital channels. 

Who will Judge this category?  

This category will be judged by Tom Ryalls, a Cultural Consultant, Strategist, and Writer.

What we’ll ask for? 

• Title of Project/Campaign. 
• Short description of the project. Think of this as an “elevator pitch” for your project.  
• Answers to a few questions about your organisation.  
• Answers to three category specific questions (You can submit these answers either in writing or as a video or audio file/link).  
• Assets which support your application, and can be used as promotional content should you be shortlisted.  

You can find detailed category guidance here.

If you’re shortlisted, some of the information in your entry will become visible to the public, so the title, description, and assets you choose need to tell the story of your project! 

Access or Technical Support 

• We want to make sure that everyone has access to the Digital Culture Awards. If you need support with submitting your entry, please send an email to our Access Support Team at [email protected] with “Digital Culture Awards” in the title.   
• For any technical support about Award Force, please use this article or email [email protected] 
• For anything else, please contact the Digital Culture Network team on [email protected] and we will be happy to help.  

Audio descriptions of the ‘What we’ll ask for’ & ‘Access or Technical Support’ sections are available here.

More questions? Read our FAQs or get in touch with us on [email protected]  

Meet the 2023 Winner

Sense Charity – Moving Portraits: a dance film accessible for everyone

Moving Portraits captures six portraits from dancers who are deafblind and/or are living with complex disabilities, who were invited to share their lived experiences through dance. By combining cinematography, audio description & vibrational technology, Sense have created a truly inclusive dance film which can be experienced through sight, touch and sound.

Get in touch 

Want to learn how your organisation can champion digital inclusivity? Our network of Tech Champions can help. 

Keep up to date by signing up to the Digital Culture Network mailing list and following us on X @ace_dcn and LinkedIn.