Beyond the Promise: looking at why and how digital projects in the cultural sector fail

Beyond the Promise explores the systemic reasons behind repeated digital project failures across the arts, culture, and heritage sectors.

Drawing on anonymised survey responses, real-world examples, and existing research, the report reveals some striking patterns:

• Failure is rarely technical, it's organisational.
• Rushed delivery, siloed teams, and unclear goals are more common than problems with technology or budget.
• Many organisations repeat the same mistakes without stopping to reflect or adapt.
• People working in the sector want to improve digital practice, but lack the time, confidence, and leadership support to make meaningful change.

In the report:

• Real stories of failure and what they reveal
• Practical, low-cost strategies to shift from “just deliver it” to sustainable digital practice
• Specific insights for funders, leaders, and digital teams

Sign up to read the full report and get access to:

• The complete findings
• A digital readiness self-assessment tool
• An organisational archetypes tool
• A webinar series unpacking the findings

What does this mean for me?

Here’s how Beyond the Promise can help, whether you lead digital, support it, fund it or feel its impact in your day-to-day work.

There are also free summaries, tools and recommendations available at the resources hub.

For digital practitioners

You know the challenges; lack of clarity, siloed decisions, patchy support, unrealistic expectations. This report gives you the language, evidence, and framing to shift the conversation. Use it to advocate for smarter digital work and more joined-up thinking.

For cultural leaders

Digital isn’t just a technology issue it’s a leadership challenge. This report shows why so many projects stall, and what you can do differently. It’s not about becoming a digital expert; it’s about leading change with clarity and confidence.

For funders and policy professionals

If you’re funding or supporting digital work, this report offers a grounded view of what’s really happening and what organisations actually need. It’s a call to support and invest in readiness, capability, and learning, not just outputs.

For cultural workers

Digital isn’t just for the “digital team.” It affects programming, learning, marketing, visitor experience... everything. This report shares honest lessons from across the sector and offers practical ways to make digital work better for everyone.

Digital isn’t going away but the way we approach it can change

Beyond the Promise is a chance to pause, reflect, and reset how we work. Sign up to read the full report and start making digital work better for your team, your audiences, and your organisation.