Rethinking Arts Boards: The Essential Role of Innovation and Technology

The arts have always evolved alongside society, adapting to new tools, platforms, and ways of experiencing creativity. But this very evolution is why we now find ourselves in a position where we have little control over our future. The arts have become entirely reactive to technology’s impact—both within the industry and more broadly across society.

With each new wave of change, the industry scrambles to adjust—often after disruption has already taken hold. Now, as technology moves faster than ever, the arts are falling further behind, struggling to keep pace with the way audiences engage, discover, and support creativity. If arts boards want to ensure a thriving future, they must have representation from leaders in technology and innovation who can help shape what’s next rather than simply responding to change.

Exploring New Models for Sustainability and Innovation

Financial sustainability has always been a challenge in the arts, and the traditional reliance on grants, sponsorships, and ticket sales is no longer enough. We’ve seen glimpses of what’s possible through platforms like Patreon, Bandcamp, and more recently, ArtsPay in Australia. But we don’t just need a few new funding solutions—we need hundreds of ideas that expand the market rather than simply sustaining the industry as it stands.

Arts organizations are critical to driving this change. By creating pathways to trial new innovations at scale, they can help shape the future of the industry rather than waiting for outside forces to dictate it. They can serve as testing grounds for new revenue models, engagement strategies, and emerging technologies—ensuring that innovation happens with artists, not to them.

Embedding innovation into arts organizations also ensures that artists stay informed about the latest technological developments. This isn’t just about access—it’s about understanding. When artists can anticipate where things are heading, they can prepare, adapt, and even shape how new technologies are used.

Staying ahead of change allows artists to take control of their futures rather than being forced to react to it.

Building Innovation into Arts Leadership

For arts boards, embracing innovation isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and long-term thinking. This means having board members with experience in digital media, venture building, or audience engagement. It means forming partnerships with tech companies, researchers, and creative entrepreneurs who are actively shaping the future. And most importantly, it means making innovation an ongoing conversation, not a one-time initiative.

The arts have always been at the forefront of cultural change, and today is no different. By embracing technology as a tool for creativity, connection, and sustainability, arts boards can help shape a future where artists continue to inspire, audiences feel more connected than ever, and creativity remains a driving force in our world.

Arts boards are the best place to bring together the experience of what has been with the possibilities of what will be. By acknowledging the past, they can better understand the future—and help artists thrive in it.