Inclusive digital storytelling with Louisa Sanfey and Tam Gilbert from Extant
In this episode, James Akers speaks with Louisa Sanfey and Tam Gilbert from Extant – winners of the Digital Inclusion category at the Digital Culture Awards – about their powerful project, 'Unseen'.The project began as a response to 2022’s The Unseen report, which explored the intersection of visual impairment and domestic abuse. Extant’s creative team - made up largely of visually impaired artists - worked alongside people with lived experience through creative writing workshops to develop a 45-minute audio drama.Louisa and Tam explain how the project went on to influence accessibility in sound design software, inspire live performances and panel events, and contribute to sector-wide training and advocacy.They discuss:Why digital storytelling can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving change around underrepresented experiences.How inclusive digital practices enabled a collaborative creative process and extended the project’s reach.What unexpected outcomes emerged - from influencing accessibility in creative tech to shaping cross-sector partnerships.This episode includes discussion of domestic abuse and violence. While no specific personal experiences are described, some listeners may find these themes sensitive.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Find out more about Extant’s Digital Culture Award winListen to 'Unseen'Learn more about The Unseen reportExtant were joint winners of the Digital Inclusion category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winners of this category were decided by a panel of experts, led by Tom Ryalls - Cultural Consultant, Strategist, Writer.Music by SHAR
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Data-driven impact for young people with Simon Glenister from Noise Solution
In this episode of the Digital Culture Podcast, James talks to Simon Glenister, CEO and founder of Noise Solution, winners of the Using Data category in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.Simon explains how their music education mentoring programme supports young people facing exclusion, mental health challenges, and other complex needs. The sessions combine music with technology and are supported by a secure online platform where participants can share their progress with trusted adults.Data is built into every part of the programme. From tracking wellbeing to analysing feedback with AI, their approach helps show impact, improve delivery, and support funding.In this episode, they discuss:How embedding data collection into the core of a programme can improve both outcomes and reporting.Why building a culture of trust and collaboration around data encourages meaningful engagement from staff and participants.What AI can reveal from conversational feedback and how it can be used to surface insights around wellbeing.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document).Find out more about Noise Solution's Digital Culture Award win.Visit the websites for Noise Solution and Transceve.Noise Solution were the Using Data category winners in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Katy Raines - Founder and CEO, Indigo Ltd.Music by SHAR
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Driving online retail growth with Katy Clinch from the Migration Museum
In this episode, James Akers talks to Katy Clinch, Retail Manager at the Migration Museum, about the digital marketing tactics that helped them win a Digital Culture Network Award. With support from the Digital Culture Network, the museum boosted sales and extended the reach of its online shop through smart use of Meta ads and video content.They discuss:Why using print-on-demand can help manage demand during busy periods and reduce operational pressureHow experimenting with Meta ads and video content led to significant growth in online shop salesWhat it means to align digital marketing with a museum’s mission and valuesLinks and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Learn more about the Migration Museum’s Digital Culture Network Award winVisit the Migration Museum online shopThe Migration Museum was awarded a Digital Culture Network Award in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards.Music by SHAR
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Socially impactful digital storytelling with Chris Sonnex from Cardboard Citizens
In this episode, James Akers interviews Chris Sonnex - Artistic Director & Joint CEO of Cardboard Citizens - about their award-winning project 'More Than One Story’. The project - a series of 9 short films written and produced by and for people with lived experience of homelessness, poverty, and inequity - was the theatre company’s first experience of creating digital theatre.Chris explains their collaborative approach to the work, why they chose the medium of film to tell these stories, and how that decision, along with choosing relevant partners like the Big Issue, saw them reach an audience of 157,000.They discuss:How digital storytelling techniques can be used to create meaningful content that resonates and drives social change.The important role partnerships and working collaboratively can play in driving engagement online and in-person.What’s next for the projectThis episode includes discussion of homelessness, poverty, and domestic violence in a general context. While no specific personal experiences are described, some listeners may find these themes sensitive.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Learn more about why Cardboard Citizens won a Digital Culture AwardWatch ‘More Than One Story’Book tickets for ‘More Than One Story’ Live in London on 9 NovemberCardboard Citizens were the Digital Content category winners in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Megan Jones - Digital Content Manager, National Museums Scotland.Music by SHAR
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Monetising a global community through video with Nik Wyness from The Tank Musuem
In this episode – the second in our Digital Culture Awards winners series – James Akers interviews Nik Wyness, Head of Marketing and Engagement at The Tank Museum, winner of the 2025 Digital Marketing category.Nik shares how The Tank Museum’s digital marketing journey began with a focus on building an active online community through video to raise awareness and evolved into a robust content strategy that now drives global engagement and revenue.They discuss:How understanding their niche audience and content testing across different platforms shaped their strategyWhy adapting to challenges, including the pandemic, accelerated their digital growthPractical advice for other cultural organisations looking to grow their digital presence and build resilient, engaged online communities.Links and resources discussed in this episode:Download the transcript for this episode (Word document)Find out more about the award-winning projectExplore The Tank Museum YouTube pageThe Tank Museum were the Digital Marketing category winners in the 2025 Digital Culture Awards. The winner of this category was decided by a panel of experts, led by Ranjit Kaur Atwal – Marketing Manager at Unlimited and freelance Communications Consultant.
A podcast for people working in the creative and cultural sector who want to embrace digital. Join Tech Champions from the Digital Culture Network and guests from across the sector.
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