Digital Accelerator
Recognizing that digital adaptation is critical for the non-profit cultural sector to remain competitive and fulfill its potential, the Digital Accelerator Program provides grants and training to help arts organizations invest in strategic improvements to their technology infrastructure. This includes tools to enhance core operations, such as integrated marketing and fundraising systems, as well as bold projects with the potential to benefit the broader cultural sector.
In continuing to deliver on community-building and creative missions during the pandemic, non-profit cultural organizations relied heavily on digital experimentation. This program seeks to inform and solidify new opportunities by helping cultural organizations build audiences, increase fundraising, drive revenue, and continue to deliver dynamic programming virtually and in person – including extensive educational offerings.
Since 2021, the Digital Accelerator Program has been a catalyst for strengthening cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K., with 200 organizations joining the most recent and expanded cohort. Bloomberg Philanthropies has dedicated $128 million to the Digital Accelerator Program since 2021 and, with this new expansion, helping what will total nearly 350 arts organizations in the U.S. and U.K. to invest in new digital tools and training.
A Bloomberg Tech Fellow, designated by each participating organization from existing staff, drives the development and implementation of their digital project. Bloomberg Philanthropies works with technology experts who provide strategic assessment and implementation guidance to the Bloomberg Tech Fellows. In the U.K., these services are provided by the Arts Council England’s Digital Culture Network, and in the U.S., by the Lapine Group.
The Digital Accelerator Program will help arts organizations sustain innovations and investments – and strengthen tech and management practices that are key to their long-term success.
Patti Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies
The organizations selected to participate in the Digital Accelerator Program represent a broad spectrum of creative endeavors and a deep commitment to serving audiences.
Bloomberg Philanthropies is committed to developing and sharing best practices around technology investments that will contribute to the recovery of the wider cultural community.
Top photo: The National Theatre, one of the institutions in the U.S. and the U.K. receiving training and support from the Digital Accelerator initiative, produced War Horse which has been viewed by more than eight million people around the world.