AI as a driver of digital transformation in the cultural sector

The five components of digital transformation

AI can do a lot, but only if the rest of the organization is structured to support it. Digital transformation ensures that your processes, data, people, and technology work seamlessly together. Only then can you fully leverage the potential of AI: working more efficiently, gaining better insights into your audience, and creating more space for creativity and innovation.

DEN distinguishes five components of digital transformation. To advance your digital maturity, it's important for your organization to develop across all five components.

1. Data and technology

The way you handle data and technology is indicative of your organization's digital maturity. Do you collect reliable data, analyze it effectively, and use technology purposefully? These are the foundations needed to become future-proof.

AI is a standalone technology that can be deployed independently. However, AI also impacts other technologies: it can replace existing technologies (like audio tours), offer new possibilities (such as making information interactive and personalized), and enhance other technologies (like improving and personalizing VR and AR experiences).

At the same time, AI changes how we handle data. Questions arise about how you want to manage your collection data and audience data in relation to AI models. Generative AI tools make it easier to perform data analyses independently. AI can boost data-driven work: you can gather insights about your audience and offerings yourself. This requires knowledge and skills from staff about (audience) data and handling personal data. Only then can you truly reap the benefits of data-driven work.

2. Processes and structure

AI has a significant impact on our way of working, directly or indirectly. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can assist with various tasks, leaving more time for other responsibilities. The next step is working with AI agents, which can fully automate repetitive tasks: retrieving, transmitting, processing, and/or analyzing data or information.

The efficiency benefits require new knowledge, work agreements, and procedures. When work processes are automated on a large scale, this can even lead to changing roles or responsibilities. The degree to which processes are digitized says a lot about your digital maturity. A clear AI policy (opens in new tab) for your cultural organization provides clarity to employees and external partners.

3. Culture and competencies

A basic level of AI literacy is essential to keep up with digital developments. AI is everywhere: integrated into search engines, voice assistants on our phones, and customer service systems of organizations. Whether you want it or not, everyone encounters AI. Therefore, knowledge about AI is relevant for everyone.

Knowledge alone is not enough. The way your organization approaches learning and development plays an equally important role. Is there room to experiment with AI and learn from it? Does your organization encourage knowledge sharing among colleagues? A well-thought-out implementation of AI and a broadly supported AI policy are best developed in an innovative organizational culture.

4. Audience and value

AI has created countless new forms of audience experiences. You can gather insights about your target audience and offerings, and tailor communication accordingly. Visitors can interactively create their own offerings in apps like smARTify and Ask Mona, as mentioned earlier.

AI also opens up new possibilities for artistic creations or societal value. For example, AI contributes to a more accessible offering.

5. Strategy and budget

AI is not an end in itself but a means to achieve your organization's (digital) ambitions. This requires an organization-wide vision supported by all employees. AI affects all aspects and employees of your organization. It's crucial that staff have the right knowledge and skills to handle this. You may also need to adjust processes or establish new work agreements.

A strategy also includes a budget. Using AI tools and training employees costs money. Keep in mind that AI can also save costs: most AI tools are designed to boost productivity.

To determine the right approach for your organization, it's good to start with a digital strategy! This will guide your digital choices.

Getting started with a digital strategy

• Follow the digital strategy workshop, the starting point for cultural organizations to guide their digital transformation.
• Want to know where your organization currently stands in the digital transformation process? Fill out the Digital Transformation Scan!
• Discover what a digital strategy brought to Huis van Hilde or learn how Joods Cultureel Kwartier involves the organization in digital changes.

Introducing AI in your organization

• Follow the workshop ‘Getting started with AI: the basics for smarter work’ to gain foundational knowledge of AI.
• Create an AI policy for your organization using our step-by-step plan.
• Learn more about the AI Act by reading this article.