Arts & Culture Digital Inclusion

Digital Arts and Culture - The Perfect 'Hook' for Digital Inclusion:  Leeds Arts and Culture Digital Inclusion Pilot

Funder: Arts Council England

According to existing research, the art and culture sector can help to promote digital inclusion through supporting and motivating individuals to use digital and improve their digital skills.  

The overall aim of this project sought to explore how digital arts and culture can be a first step to engaging with a wider range of digital tools, technology and services.  The project produced  guidance which will encourage and support greater involvement of arts and culture within digital inclusion programmes.  The project was focused on older people who may be reluctant internet users. 

This qualitative research project centred on capturing practices used by arts and culture organisations and other organisations that provide digital arts-based activities to engage older people to use digital technologies.  The project aimed to establish whether such practices can lay the foundations of basic digital skills and whether these will lead to an increased willingness to engage with other digital tools and services that facilitate everyday life. Furthermore, the project seeks to reveal the mechanisms in place that enable the longevity of such digital inclusion activities and practices. 

This was a pilot study focused on the city of Leeds and funded by Arts Council England, in collaboration with 100% Digital Leeds. Find out more from the project website