In this article
This series of five articles has been produced to support people working in the creative and cultural sectors to deliver digital projects effectively. The articles are accompanied by a practical workbook to support the process.
Digital projects are part of everyday life in the creative and cultural sector, from improving your website to rethinking how you manage audience data or bringing your work to new online channels. But ‘digital project’ can feel like a big, abstract term. Here’s a simple way to think about it.
A digital project is any planned piece of work that uses technology to help you or your organisation meet its goals, whether that’s reaching more people, working more efficiently, improving access, or strengthening your creative programme.
Importantly, a digital project is never just the tech. Successful projects combine:
Digital projects can be large (for example a full CRM replacement or a new website) or smaller scale (like selling tickets online for the first time or improving how you manage your digital assets). They may also vary in scale depending on the size and nature of your operation. What matters is that they help you deliver your mission more effectively.
Digital projects tend to follow a similar rhythm. In the cultural sector, this typically looks like:
Before jumping to solutions, take time to explore what isn’t working. Whether that’s clunky internal processes, outdated platforms, barriers to access, or missed opportunities to engage audiences. And think strategically too. What goals do you want to achieve creatively, financially or operationally. Could a digital project help support any of these goals?
This is where you get curious and ask:
This stage helps you shape a realistic plan, and for organisations to build early alignment across teams.
Whether you’re choosing a web developer, CRM provider or an events platform, you’re looking for collaborators who understand your values, your audiences, and the realities of working in creativity and culture, not just a flashy technical solution.
This is where your ideas take shape. Good implementation includes clear timelines, open communication, testing with real users, and strong project management to keep things moving.
New technology only works when people feel confident using it. Involving colleagues and users early on, training, communication and small early wins help everyone feel positive about the change.
A digital project might be the right step if you recognise any of the following:
And just as importantly, you have enough capacity and buy-in to take the project on. Digital work succeeds when people have the time, support and enthusiasm to take it forward.
The principles in this article still apply if you’re a freelancer, artist, collective or small organisation. You may not need formal governance structures, project teams or extensive documentation, but taking time to plan, challenge assumptions and focus on user needs can help you make better decisions, reduce risk and achieve stronger outcomes from your digital project.
If you’re working independently or in a small organisation, it’s easy to assume that digital projects are only for larger organisations with dedicated budgets, specialist staff and complex systems. In reality, digital projects can be just as valuable at a smaller scale. Whether you’re improving your website, introducing a new tool, or finding a better way to manage your work, the same principles apply. Start with a clear understanding of the problem you’re trying to solve, be realistic about the time and resources you have available, and focus on changes that will have the greatest impact for you and your audiences.
Successful digital projects aren’t defined by their size or complexity, but by how effectively they help you achieve your goals.
A digital project isn’t about chasing the newest tool, it’s about making thoughtful improvements that help you reach people, tell your stories and deliver your mission more effectively. When the need is clear and you are ready to deliver, digital projects can create long-lasting benefits for you and your audiences.
Start by reading our article Scoping digital projects and other articles in our Digital Projects series. For deeper conversations or to explore additional resources, speak to one of our digital specialists in person so that we can assess your specific needs and provide practical and tailored support to help you scope out a digital project that works for your organisation.
Book a free one-to-one session with a Tech Champion to support you in developing your digital project.
Beginner Managing Digital Projects
From new websites and CRM systems to digital asset management platforms, digital projects can help cultural organisations work more efficiently and better serve their audiences. This series of five articles offers practical guidance on planning, procuring, implementing and managing digital projects, alongside a downloadable workbook packed with templates and tools to support your journey.
Beginner Managing Change
This series of five articles has been produced to support people working in the creative and cultural sectors to deliver digital projects effectively. The articles are accompanied by a practical workbook to support the process.
Beginner Implementing a digital project
This series of five articles has been produced to support people working in the creative and cultural sectors to deliver digital projects effectively. The articles are accompanied by a practical workbook to support the process.