About the Program
CultureSource is building a library of practical tech guides. Real-world “digital recipes” for the tools and workflows that arts and culture organizations can use. We’re looking for people to help us test and shape them.
As a recipe tester, you’ll work hands-on with emerging and everyday tech, share what worked (and what didn’t), and help shape guides that will be freely available to the broader field.
Two community workshops are also included and open to all Southeast Michigan arts and culture organizations.
This opportunity is open to CultureSource members and is part of the Digital Access for the Arts Program in partnership with the Gilbert Family Foundation.
➤ Applications for the Tech Recipe Tester cohort are open now
In Partnership With
Community Workshops
Two workshops will be hosted as part of this program and will be available to the Southeast Michigan community, not just the Funded Learning Cohort.
Emerging Technologies Workshop:
Helps organizations harness transformational technology through practical, step-by-step “digital recipes” for improving communication, organization, and data management, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies like AI and no-code tools.
Digital Financial Tools for Independent Creatives:
A workshop focused on helping independent artists build sustainable financial practices, access resources, and strengthen the systems that support both their creative and economic lives.
Tech Recipe Testers
Organizations selected as Tech Recipe Testers will work hands-on with at least one digital recipe, testing it, applying it, and sharing what they learn to help us refine it for the broader field.
A “digital recipe” is a simple, step-by-step guide for using a tool or process to complete a specific task. It includes the tools you need, the steps to follow, and a clear outcome — no technical expertise required. Recipes range from 3 to 12 hours of commitment, and participation requires completing at least one by August 31, 2026.
The program is designed to support your participation in a way that feels manageable and achievable.
Selected organizations will receive:
- Up to a $5,750 stipend to support their time, insights, and any related technological infrastructure needs (laptops, licenses, etc.)
- Access to a library of “digital recipes” aimed at supporting technological capacity development at all levels
- Up to one hour of direct consulting on the “digital recipes” or other technology-related questions with a technologist
Digital recipe categories:
Work Smarter with the Tools You Already Have
For organizations ready to get more out of everyday platforms like Google Docs, Gmail, and Google Drive
Recipes in this category help you go deeper with the tools you’re probably already using, unlocking features that save time, reduce friction, and make collaboration easier across your team.
Get Organized and Stay That Way
For organizations that want reliable systems for files, information, and day-to-day operations
Recipes in this category help you build the kind of back-end infrastructure that keeps things from falling through the cracks, from file backups to folder structures to getting your organization set up where it needs to be online.
Put Your Data to Work
For organizations that want cleaner records, smarter tracking, and systems that scale
Recipes in this category help you move beyond spreadsheets and tackle the messy data challenges that slow down reporting, constituent management, and organizational decision-making.
Explore What's Possible with Emerging Tech
For organizations curious about AI and new tools – no technical background required
Recipes in this category introduce you to tools and approaches that are reshaping how organizations work, with a focus on practical, low-barrier entry points that don’t require a tech background to get started.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from CultureSource member organizations in Southeast Michigan that are:
- Curious about how digital tools can support or expand their work
- Ready to experiment, reflect, and share what works (and what doesn’t)
- Working at any level of digital experience (beginner to advanced)
- Interested in contributing to broader sector insights and learnings
You do not need to be highly technical to participate, this program is designed to meet organizations where they are and support learning at all levels. We are especially excited to bring together a cohort that reflects a range of disciplines, perspectives, and approaches to digital work.
Application Overview
The application consists of six short-answer questions designed to understand your organization’s current use of digital tools, your area of interest for experimentation, and your capacity to participate. You will be asked to reflect on your weekly availability, decision-making authority, and what support you may need to stay on track.
Applicants should be prepared to commit to completing brief assessments throughout the program and confirm that a supervisor or colleague is aware of and supports their participation.
Program Timeline
Key program activities will take place between Spring and Fall 2026, including:
- Application Deadline: May 21, 2026
- Cohort announcement: End of May 2026
- Workshops and convenings: End of June 2026
- Ongoing learning, experimentation, and office hours: Summer 2026
- Program completion and final research contributions: End of August 2026
Apply
Apply by Thursday, May 21, 2026
Questions? Contact daap@culturesource.org.
Technologist-in-Residence
Koven Smith
Koven J. Smith is an arts strategist and technologist dedicated to building thriving futures for cultural organizations. As Senior Director of Arts at Knight Foundation, he designed the Foundation’s tech-forward arts funding strategy and directed more than$80M in grants supporting digital infrastructure for arts practitioners across eight U.S. cities. Previously, he shaped the digital foundations of the museum field through leadership roles at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Denver Art Museum, and Indianapolis Museum of Art. His consulting work includes engagements with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Smithsonian, CultureSource, the Doris Duke Foundation, and many others. Beyond his strategic work, Koven is a composer and former big band leader, and slept on many floors as a drummer for indie rock bands. He serves on the boards of the American Composers Forum and Western Museums Association, and is a former board member of the Museum Computer Network.