Enhancing Citizen Cultural Engagement in Skaane's Public Arts Sector Through Collaboration and Digital Tools
- Frederik Fabricius
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
Regional culture thrives when communities are meaningfully engaged, data-informed, and able to surface diverse voices. The feasibility study conducted in Skåne explored whether an Audience Collective model—shared data, collaborative insights, and coordinated audience development—could be deployed across the region’s 67 cultural organizations. The goal: foster a more informed cultural democracy where equal access to culture becomes a lived reality for all Skåne residents.
The Challenge of Cultural Engagement in Skaane
Despite a rich cultural heritage and diverse arts programs, many residents in Skaane do not regularly participate in public arts events. Barriers include lack of awareness, inconvenient access, and limited opportunities tailored to different interests and backgrounds. Public arts organizations often work in isolation, missing chances to reach wider audiences through shared resources and coordinated efforts.
This fragmentation means citizens may not discover events that resonate with them or feel connected to the cultural life around them. Without a unified approach, the sector struggles to demonstrate its value and relevance to the community.
Benefits of Collective Action Across the Arts Sector
When cultural institutions collaborate, they can pool resources, share knowledge, and create more cohesive programming. This collective approach offers several advantages:
Broader reach: Joint marketing campaigns and shared event calendars help citizens find cultural activities more easily.
Diverse offerings: Combining different art forms and venues attracts a wider audience with varied tastes.
Stronger community ties: Partnerships with local schools, libraries, and community groups foster deeper engagement.
Efficient use of funds: Coordinated planning reduces duplication and maximizes impact.
During 2023 and 2024, under Gitte Willes' leadership, Kulturforvaltningen requested that we conduct a pilot with 14 of the largest cultural organizations in the Region. The aim was twofold: to create a collective audience development strategy and to enhance their digital literacy awareness and understanding in support of this strategy. In essence, this is the Region's Digital Transformation.
Using Data to Understand and Engage Citizens
Data plays a crucial role in tailoring cultural experiences to citizen needs. By collecting and analyzing information on attendance, preferences, and feedback, arts organizations can:
Identify which programs attract different demographics.
Understand barriers preventing participation.
Measure the impact of events on community wellbeing.
Adjust offerings to better match interests and schedules.
In Skaane, digital ticketing systems and online surveys can provide real-time insights. For instance, if data shows low attendance among young adults, organizations might introduce more contemporary art forms or interactive workshops to draw this group.
Digital Tools to Connect and Inspire
Digital technology offers practical ways to enhance cultural engagement:
Mobile apps: Provide event listings, ticket purchases, and personalized recommendations.
Virtual tours and performances: Reach citizens unable to attend in person.
Social platforms: Facilitate conversations and community building around cultural topics.
Interactive installations: Engage visitors actively during exhibitions or festivals.
Skaane’s publicly funded arts sector can develop a unified digital platform that aggregates cultural events and resources. This platform could use location-based services to suggest nearby activities, making it easier for citizens to participate spontaneously.
Practical Steps for Implementation
To realize these benefits, Skaane’s cultural institutions can take several concrete actions:
Form a regional cultural network: Regular meetings and shared goals encourage collaboration.
Invest in data infrastructure: Standardize data collection and analysis methods across organizations.
Develop a shared digital platform: Centralize information and services for citizens.
Train staff in digital skills: Ensure teams can manage and use new tools effectively.
Engage citizens in design: Include community input when creating programs and digital services.
By starting with pilot projects, such as a joint festival or a digital event calendar, the sector can build momentum and demonstrate value to funders and the public.
The Impact on Skaane’s Communities
Increasing cultural engagement benefits individuals and society. Citizens gain access to enriching experiences that promote creativity, learning, and wellbeing. Communities become more connected and inclusive. The arts sector strengthens its role as a vital part of Skaane’s identity and quality of life.
When citizens feel invited and supported to participate, culture becomes a shared resource that reflects and shapes the region’s diversity and vitality.
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