in the news

For Immediate Release
July 14, 2020

Six Vancouver Island and Gulf Island arts councils are currently working with Nordicity,
an international arts consulting firm, to conduct research in and readiness around
creating digital strategies. Funding received through the Canada Council of the Arts
Digital Strategy fund establishes a Digital Innovation Group (DIG) transforming how Arts
Councils operate, collaborate and communicate.

The DIG group includes the Ladysmith Arts Council, Hornby Island Arts Council,
Cowichan Valley Arts Council, Salt Spring Arts Council, Comox Valley Arts and The Old
School House in Qualicum Beach. Lead by the Ladysmith Arts Council the group came
together under the moniker of DIG (Digital Innovation Group) to write a grant to the
Digital Strategy Fund. Funds of $212,500 were awarded in two phases. DIG is currently
working on the first phase of the grant; starting with internal scans of each arts council
looking at, funding, human resources, programing, marketing and technology.

With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic the necessity couldn’t be timelier. Arts
organizations nationwide are grappling with how to survive without audiences, however
quite frequently it is the small grass routes organizations that have less resources to do
so, relying heavily on skeleton staff and keen volunteerism. Peter Lyman of Nordicity
states “Digital Strategy is Strategy” developed with goals, objectives and measurable
outcomes. “DIG is an example of how small communities can collaborate in a unified
vision, maximize the possibilities, embrace practical tools that create service driven arts
and culture opportunities” remarks the Managing Director of Nordicity’s Vancouver
office, Carly Frey. She also stated “DIG can provide a neutral convener outside of
individual organizations to build relationships and synergies with education, tourism and
technology organizations.”

About Nordicity
Nordicity is a leading global consulting firm specializing in policy, strategy, and economic
analysis in the media, creative, cultural and information and communications
technology (ICT) sectors. Nordicity has developed digital strategies for a variety of
clients around the world. To learn more about Nordicity, visit www.nordicity.com

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