COLLABORATIVE R&D LABS
OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
About
CultureSource introduces the Collaborative R&D Labs: Southeast Michigan (“Labs”), an innovative program dedicated to advancing digital transformation within the region’s arts and culture sector. Funded by the Knight Foundation, the Labs provide a unique platform for leaders to explore and experiment with digital tools, fostering innovation through collaboration and shared learning.
The Labs address the challenges of adopting digital technologies—often perceived as costly and complex—by fostering collaborative research and development (R&D) among arts organizations. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, participants can explore digital tools that enhance artistic practices, streamline operations, and deepen audience engagement.
In a field where R&D collaboration is rare, the labs are taking a bold step forward. Many arts organizations operate independently, making joint efforts uncommon. This program is designed to bridge those gaps, cultivating the skills and confidence needed for meaningful partnerships that extend beyond traditional collaborations. Focused on leaders poised to shape the future, the Labs equip participants with the tools and strategies to lead their organizations into a digitally driven era.
Program Activities
Who Should Apply?:
The Collaborative R&D Labs seek organizations committed to exploring digital innovation and driving change. Ideal applicants have the bandwidth to engage fully in labs and explore ideas independently. This program is for organizations that view this work as urgent, envision continuing through the three-year journey, and are eager to advance their digital capacity and influence the cultural sector.
Process:
Participants progress through three integrated tracks that build from exploration to application. Starting with dynamic Labs on digital technology, the program evolves into workshops focused on leadership skills and culminates in consulting support for implementing organizational experiments. Each stage is designed to foster collaboration, experimentation, and real-world learning.
Outcomes:
By the program’s conclusion, participants will have developed practical strategies, built digital expertise, and established a network of peers. Organizations gain innovative tools and frameworks for transformation, and the Southeast Michigan cultural sector moves closer to a shared vision of resilience, relevance, and collective growth.
Track 1: Digital Discovery Labs
Kicking off in February 2025, Track 1 brings together arts leaders for a series of large Labs focused on emerging digital technologies. These sessions, held three times annually, will cover critical topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications across art creation, audience engagement, and operations. Each Lab promotes interaction and trust-building, setting a foundation for lasting partnerships without a long-term commitment from participants.
Track 2: Leadership Practices for Digital Innovation
Beginning in October 2025, Track 2 is a four-month workshop series for leaders ready to advance digital adoption within their teams. Participants will focus on developing collaborative R&D skills rather than in-depth tech expertise, equipping them to hire and oversee tech projects effectively. This Track supports leaders in cultivating an adaptive, tech-friendly culture within their organizations.
Track 3: Organization Practices for Digital Innovation
Launching in Summer 2026, Track 3 requires organizations to commit 10 days to collaboratively research, prototype, and implement digital solutions. This Track is designed for cross-functional and potentially cross-organizational teams, helping them embed tech across their work’s programmatic, administrative, and audience engagement dimensions. By fostering collaborative R&D across whole teams and potentially across multiple organizations, Track 3 helps arts organizations become more resilient, tech-enabled, and capable of meeting innovation and adaptation demands.
Program Timeline Overview
Eligibility and Progression:
- Participants may join Track 1 only or apply to advance to Tracks 2 & 3.
- Track 1 is the foundational hub, with participants from all tracks continuing to engage in its annual sessions.
Apply
Track 1 applications now open. Participants can attend multiple Labs (and are encouraged to do so!) to maximize their learning and network-building. The first 3 Labs will be held in February, April and June 2025 with more dates to be announced in Spring 2025.
Learn More
Questions? Contact Program Manager Goode Wyche III at [email protected]
Join us in building a digitally collaborative future for the Southeast Michigan arts community with the Collaborative R&D Labs!
In Memoriam
EmcArts co-founder and long-time president Richard Evans passed away in 2022 after battling an aggressive cancer. Before his passing, Richard spearheaded the integration of EmcArts into CultureSource—securing a permanent Southeast Michigan home for the practice of adaptive changemaking that he pioneered in the cultural sector.
EmcArts, a social enterprise for innovation and adaptive change in the arts, worked for over 20 years to strengthen the capacity of arts leaders and organizations. Richard designed and implemented a sustained series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to help arts organizations design and manage innovation and adapt to changing environments.
CultureSource is dedicated to honoring Richard’s legacy by continuing his work of ensuring the sustained vitality of our most cherished arts organizations.