Lawrence Arts Center joins international development program to improve digital systems, increase access to arts – The Lawrence Times

Report on the Lawrence Arts Center’s Digital Transformation Initiative and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Fostering Sustainable Community Development Through Arts and Culture

The Lawrence Arts Center (LAC) has been selected to participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture Program. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing digital infrastructure to increase community access to the arts. The project directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on inclusivity, education, and building resilient community institutions.

Project Overview and Strategic Objectives

The core objective of the initiative is the development and implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and an integrated website. This technological overhaul is designed to streamline public engagement with the LAC’s diverse offerings.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The project’s strategic goals are closely aligned with the global agenda for sustainable development:

• SDG 4: Quality Education: By simplifying enrollment for classes and educational programs, the initiative promotes inclusive and equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities in the arts for all community members.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The project aims to reduce barriers to participation. This includes creating clearer access points for the financial aid program and accommodating individuals who face technological challenges, thereby ensuring that art is accessible to everyone, regardless of economic or social status.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The adoption of modern digital infrastructure represents a critical upgrade for the organization, enhancing its capacity for outreach, service delivery, and long-term operational sustainability.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By strengthening a key cultural institution, the initiative enhances the cultural fabric of the community. The LAC serves as an essential “third space” that fosters social connection and inclusion, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient city.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between the Lawrence Arts Center and Bloomberg Philanthropies exemplifies a strategic partnership between the non-profit and philanthropic sectors to achieve shared development objectives.

Key Project Outcomes and Impacts

The implementation of the new digital systems is projected to yield several positive outcomes:

1. Improved Community Access and Engagement: Patrons will experience a more user-friendly interface for enrolling in classes, reserving tickets, and purchasing art. This ease of access is expected to increase community participation and open new avenues for engagement with the arts.
2. Enhanced Equity and Inclusivity: The digital platform will prominently feature and simplify the application process for financial assistance. It will also support in-person enrollment, ensuring that technological barriers do not prevent participation, directly contributing to SDG 10.
3. Increased Operational Efficiency: The automation of administrative tasks will allow LAC employees to focus more on programming and artistic development, fostering a more productive and creative work environment in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Implementation Timeline

The Lawrence Arts Center will collaborate with Bloomberg Philanthropies over a two-year period to implement a comprehensive five-year strategy. Initial changes are expected to be visible to the public by spring 2026, with more significant updates scheduled for the following summer.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted

The article on the Lawrence Arts Center’s (LAC) digital transformation through the Bloomberg Philanthropies program touches upon several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The core themes of enhancing digital accessibility, promoting community participation in the arts, increasing access to financial aid, and fostering partnerships are directly linked to the following SDGs:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – By making it easier to enroll in classes and access financial aid, the initiative supports inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities through the arts.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The project’s focus is on upgrading technological infrastructure (a new CRM system and website) to improve the organization’s services, reach, and sustainability, which aligns with building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The initiative explicitly aims to reduce barriers to access for the community. This includes making financial aid programs more visible and accessible for those who need them and simplifying processes for individuals who face technological barriers, thereby promoting social and cultural inclusion.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the LAC as a “third space for connecting people,” which contributes to making communities more inclusive and sustainable. By strengthening the arts center, the project helps safeguard and promote local culture.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The entire project is a collaboration between the Lawrence Arts Center, a non-profit cultural organization, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. This represents a public-private/civil society partnership aimed at achieving common goals.

2. Specific Targets Identified Under the SDGs

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 4.7 (under SDG 4): This target aims to ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development, including the “appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.” The LAC’s mission to make “art is for everyone” and to increase community participation directly supports this.
2. Target 9.1 (under SDG 9): This target focuses on developing quality and reliable infrastructure to support human well-being with a focus on “equitable access for all.” The development of a new CRM and website is an upgrade to digital infrastructure designed to provide easier and more equitable access to the arts center’s offerings.
3. Target 10.2 (under SDG 10): This target aims to “empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… economic or other status.” The project’s emphasis on clearer access points for financial aid and assistance for those with technological barriers directly addresses the inclusion of people from different economic backgrounds.
4. Target 11.4 (under SDG 11): This target calls for strengthening efforts to “protect and safeguard the world’s cultural… heritage.” By improving its operational sustainability and community reach, the LAC is better equipped to fulfill its role as a key cultural institution in the community.
5. Target 17.17 (under SDG 17): This target encourages “effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.” The collaboration between the Lawrence Arts Center and Bloomberg Philanthropies is a direct example of such a partnership, leveraging resources and expertise to achieve shared objectives.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Community Participation and Engagement: The article states the goal is to make it “easier for customers to enroll in classes, reserve tickets and purchase art.” Progress can be measured by:
  • An increase in the number of online and in-person class enrollments.
  • An increase in ticket sales for performances and events.
  • Growth in the number of unique individuals engaging with the LAC.
• Accessibility and Equity: The article highlights the need for “clearer access points for financial assistance.” Progress can be measured by:
  • An increase in the number of inquiries and applications for the financial aid program.
  • A rise in the amount of financial aid distributed to community members.
  • An increase in donations to the financial aid program, prompted by its increased visibility.
• Operational Efficiency: The new system is expected to help employees focus “less on the administrative tasks.” Progress can be measured by:
  • A reduction in the number of hours spent by staff on manual data entry and administrative processes.
  • Positive feedback from staff regarding the usability and efficiency of the new system.
• Project Implementation: The article provides a timeline for the digital overhaul. Progress can be measured by:
  • Meeting the project milestones, such as rolling out initial changes by spring 2026 and major strides by summer 2026.
  • Successful implementation of the five-year strategy developed through the partnership.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: lawrencekstimes.com