Managing digital projects with Carl Stevens
The Digital Culture Podcast is for creative and cultural professionals to get to know the Digital Culture Network team, learn how we can help your digital skills development, and find out what’s happening across the sector. In this episode, James Akers and Emma McGarry speak with Carl Stevens, Senior Manager for New Technologies and Innovation at Arts Council England, about leading successful digital projects and supporting organisations through change. Carl reflects on nearly 15 years at the Arts Council, discusses his work across digital skills programmes, AI initiatives and the Digital Culture Network, and explains why technology is often only a small part of a successful digital transformation. They explore common challenges organisations face when implementing new technology, from CRM systems and websites to email marketing, and why listening to staff, understanding audience needs and creating clear project goals are critical to success. The episode also looks at Carl's work as a trustee at Denton West End Community Library, where he has helped introduce tools such as Mailchimp and Eventbrite while balancing the realities of working with volunteers, limited resources and community needs. Through these experiences, Carl highlights the importance of combining digital tools with human connection and local knowledge. They discuss: What actually defines a digital project and what makes it successful. Why people are more important than the technology and how to bring your organisation along. Choosing the right suppliers, systems and partners for you. New Digital Culture Network resources and templates for managing digital projects. Practical digital transformation lessons from large-scale organisations to local libraries.
