DIGITAL DISCOVERY LABS
TRACK 1 OF THE COLLABORATIVE R&D LABS
This Track is the entryway into the Program, bringing Southeast Michigan’s nonprofit arts leaders together to explore the application of digital technology to artistic practice and arts management. Track 1 Labs focus on experiential learning, interactive technology demos, and collaborative engagement to build a supportive community of learners ready to embrace innovation.
Each Lab offers:
- Insights into existing and emerging digital technologies relevant to the arts
- Practical, hands-on activities to experiment with new technologies
- Opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate, enhancing sector-wide support and knowledge-sharing
The Labs will feature esteemed regional and national speakers, some from outside the arts sector, providing participants with unique perspectives on how digital tools can transform both artistic processes and organizational management.
Key Considerations
Convenings are designed around four guiding principles:
1. Technology in Practice
Each Lab focuses on real-world applications of technology, not just theory, ensuring participants gain practical insights directly relevant to their work.
2. Hands-On Experimentation
Each Lab includes time for hands-on experimentation with the featured technology, creating a comfortable environment for participants to explore new tools and build confidence.
3. Inclusive, Collaborative Environment
Labs foster an inclusive space where a diverse set of voices is heard, supporting learning enriched by varying perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
4. Adaptive Learning
Feedback from each Lab will be reviewed and incorporated into future sessions, modeling an adaptive learning process that reflects the same collaborative spirit we aim to inspire across the sector.
Labs
Labs are half-day morning sessions that begin at 9:00 am, concluding by 12:00 pm, with coffee and light breakfast available at 8:30 am. Participants are encouraged to bring a device, as some interactive components may include hands-on digital activities.
After each Lab, participants will receive a follow-up email with:
- A summary of key points and relevant resources
- Links to referenced articles or materials
- An invitation to register for the next Lab
- A prompt for feedback to help enhance future sessions
- Video documentation of each session will be made available on CultureSource’s website and LearningSource portal within two weeks.
Apply
Who Should apply?
The Collaborative R&D Labs seek organizations that are ready to invest time and energy into exploring digital innovation. Ideal applicants have the bandwidth to engage fully in workshops and explore concepts independently between labs. This program is designed for organizations that view this work as urgent and essential to their mission. Participants should be able to envision both themselves and their organizations continuing through the full three-year program, leveraging learnings to drive meaningful change. If you are committed to advancing your organization’s digital capacity and influencing the cultural sector, this program is for you.
2025 Digital Discovery Lab Dates
Below are the dates for the Digital Discovery Labs in 2025. Applicants accepted into the program will receive calendar invites for each date and are expected to attend each Lab.
Lab 1:
Date: February 13, 2025
Location: TBA
Topic: Artificial Intelligence in the Arts – Application and Practice
Lab 2:
Date: April 10, 2025
Location: TBA
Topic: Digital Platforms for Audience Engagement
Lab 3:
Date: June 5, 2025
Location: TBA
Topic: Operational Technologies in Arts Management
Funding
Organizations participating in Track 1 are eligible to receive funding to support small-scale technology experiments. This funding is designed to offset the cost of software or equipment, providing a practical opportunity for participants to explore concepts introduced in the Labs and creatively apply them to inspire innovation within their organizations. Track 1 participants will also be eligible to apply for future program tracks.
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.