Why It Matters
Embracing Digital Innovation
The growing integration of digital technologies into live performance presents new opportunities to enhance accessibility and audience engagement across the arts. As the cultural landscape evolves, digital engagement is no longer supplementary—it has become a vital part of an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-looking arts ecosystem. Participation in digital formats continues to increase, particularly among younger and older audiences who may experience financial or physical barriers to attending live shows (Patternmakers, 2023). Digital platforms also foster inclusion for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and Australians with disabilities.
What We Aim to Achieve
This initiative focuses on enabling new modes of live performance for digital platforms. The project supports digital transformation across Australia’s live performance sector by investigating and promoting innovative creative practices and emerging technologies. In doing so, it seeks to revitalise and expand performing arts audiences in response to the impacts of COVID-19 and changing patterns of cultural participation. Beyond extending reach, the work is guided by a commitment to strengthening the social and emotional benefits of cultural engagement.
Project Overview
Performing Digitally explores how the performing arts sector is creating, distributing, and engaging with digital content. In partnership with nine leading performing arts organisations, the project documents current digital performance practices and co-designs frameworks to inform effective practice, policy development, and academic research.
Through a qualitative, collaborative approach, the project will produce a suite of practical and scholarly outputs — including industry tools, case studies, policy briefs, academic publications, and media commentary — to foster dialogue and innovation across the sector.
By strengthening digital engagement and innovation, Performing Digitally aims to contribute to a more connected, creative, and culturally vibrant performing arts landscape.
Project Team
- Dr Elizabeth Gibbs
- Dr Susan Cake
- Dr Kathryn Kelly
- Dr Shane Pike
- Dr Tessa Rixon
- Professor Katya Johanson
- Professor Evonne Miller
Project Partners
- Sydney Theatre Company
- Sydney Dance Company
- Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
- Geelong Arts Centre
- Lucy Guerin Inc
- Metro Arts
- NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts)
- Performing Arts Connections (PAC) Australia
Funding
- Funded by Australian Research Council
- Supported by Queensland University of Technology
