About the Project

A qualitative study that seeks to investigate how arts and culture can be an important first step on the road to digital inclusion, motivating older people to engage with a wider range of digital tools, technology, and services.

Why is this research needed?

Existing research suggests the art and culture sector has the potential to play an important role in promoting digital inclusion and motivating individuals to use digital and improve their digital skills. While some evidence exists that such activities are taking place with older people,  reporting of these activities remains scarce. As a result the understanding of digital inclusion activities for older people within the arts and culture sector, the longer term impacts of such activities on individuals and arts and culture organisations, and the mechanisms in place to enable the sustainability and longevity of such activities remains under-researched.

What will the project involve?

The research will be conducted in two stages.

Stage One: A series of interviews with selected organisations and stakeholders who have delivered or supported digital inclusion activities through the means of art and culture with older people.

Stage Two: A series of interviews with older individuals (aged 50+) who have received digital inclusion support through engaging with digital arts and culture.

We will generate three examples of exemplar case studies which depict the successful delivery of digital inclusion activities through art and culture with older people. These will be used to develop and write a toolkit which outlines best practice and different approaches for utilising arts and culture as a motivator for digital inclusion.

Who is funding and collaborating on this project?

This research is funded by Arts Council England, and conducted in partnership with 100% Digital Leeds. The project is underway from January to September 2025.

What methodology is the project using?

The project is using a Theory of Change methodology to plan and evaluate, and provide evidence of impact.