CultureTalk: Why Digital Projects Fail and How to Set Them Up for Success with Ash Mann

This article by Ash talks about the Enable-Engage-Express framework that we reference in the interview as well as his two-axis model for understanding how different digital activities differ in function and focus: https://www.ashmann.co/what-do-we-actually-mean-when-we-say-digital/

 

Digital strategy consultant Ash Mann brings clear-eyed insights from his research on why digital projects succeed or fail in arts and culture organisations. With 20 years of experience spanning in-house roles, agency leadership, and independent consulting, Ash shares:

 

🟢 Why digital failures are rarely technical but organisational

🟢 His Enable-Engage-Express framework for understanding digital activity

🟢 How museums and performing arts venues approach digital differently

🟢 Practical low-risk experiments for organisations beginning their digital journey

🟢 What cultural leaders need most: clarity and "digital imagination"

🟢 Real success stories from the Royal Academy, Bridge Theatre, and National Theatre

 

This conversation offers both reassurance for digital practitioners and practical guidance for cultural leaders navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.

 

About Ash Mann:

Ash is an advisor, strategist and facilitator who has worked on hundreds of digital projects in the cultural sector. He hosts the Digital Works podcast and conference, creating spaces for important conversations about digital development in arts and culture.

 

Connect with Ash at: https://ashmann.co

 

Want more CultureTalk episodes? Listen on your favourite streaming platform:

 

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZmkPCIiFac8GxvV3Lytg

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culturetalk/id1792405488

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/768e691f-b4a7-4612-9ae4-c820ad9dba3f

 

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