Digital culture reaches those we would otherwise miss

Digital transformation is not an end in itself, but a lever to make culture more relevant, accessible, and inclusive. That is the premise of Hub-C, a Flemish initiative by Cultuurconnect that supports cultural organizations in their digital development. Hub-C and DEN have decided to join forces to make an impact together in the Flemish and Dutch cultural sector. One of the themes that connects them: digital innovation as a lever for cultural inclusion.

3 min5 jun `25

Knowledge & Inspiration

The digital divide: not gone, but evolved

We often too easily assume that everyone is on board with the digital story. Young people, in particular, are quickly labeled as 'digital natives.' But during the Hub-C event DigiCurious (opens in new tab), Ali Chari from the Flemish organization DigitAll (opens in new tab) told a different story. According to the Barometer Digital Inclusion 2024 (opens in new tab), 52% of low-educated young people aged 16 to 24 are digitally vulnerable. They lack skills, have little confidence in their digital abilities, or only have access to a smartphone.

Older people, individuals with disabilities, people living in poverty, and non-native speakers also fall through the cracks more often than we think. In total, no less than 40% of Belgians aged 16 to 74 are digitally vulnerable.

Behind these figures lies an important task for the cultural sector: how do we make our activities relevant for those who are not digitally engaged? And how can technology be used as a connecting factor in this?

“Digital culture enables participation for people who often fall through the cracks: older adults, young people, individuals with disabilities, people living in poverty, and non-native speakers.”

Digital technology as a bridge, not a barrier

Using digital tools for those who are not digitally adept may seem contradictory. But that's where the potential lies. When technology is deployed consciously, creatively, and human-centered, it becomes a powerful lever for greater inclusion. Through accessible formats, trusted partners, or hybrid working methods, you can reach people who might otherwise disengage. Digital culture thus brings on board those we would otherwise miss.

“When you use technology consciously, creatively, and human-centered, it becomes a powerful lever for inclusion.”

What can you do as a cultural professional?

Inclusion starts with a simple question: who are we missing today, and what prevents them from participating? From that insight, you can use technology as a bridge, not a barrier. And it doesn't have to be complex or expensive. A few concrete examples from the Flemish cultural sector:

Bring culture to the audience. Through the livestream offerings of Cultuurconnect (opens in new tab), performing arts houses make performances accessible to less mobile audiences in (residential) care centers. Organizing a performance, lecture, or exhibition opening soon? Consider a livestream for those who find it difficult to travel, or sign up for Cultuurconnect's livestream offerings. Collaborate with a library or care center for this.
Introduce your audience to digital formats in a playful way. Not everyone feels comfortable with technology. By offering digital applications in an intuitive and familiar manner, you lower barriers. In the library of Hechtel-Eksel (opens in new tab), a digital kamishibai was set up around Mother Language Day: a storytelling theater with stories in 21 languages, narrated by native speakers. Children navigated the touchscreen themselves and listened to stories in their native language along with classmates or parents. This created connecting moments and a first positive digital experience – without a manual, app, or barrier.
Align with your target audience's world. Digital formats work best when they align with what people recognize. What appeals to young people, non-native newcomers, or older adults? Which formats feel familiar, playful, or safe? The KMSKA (opens in new tab) developed, for instance, a digital escape game (opens in new tab) that allows young people to explore the museum at their own pace and in a playful way. Not pure education, but a smart bridge between art and a young audience.
Engage in digital co-creation. Give space to new voices. Let young people, newcomers, or individuals with disabilities create content themselves: an audio tour, a playlist, a mini-podcast. This way, digital culture becomes not something you consume individually, but something you create together. An inspiring example is the media lab of KOPERGIETERY (opens in new tab) in Ghent, where children and young people develop digital installations, performances, and formats themselves. Through projects like 'All the Screen’s a Stage' or the Festival Digital (opens in new tab), they explore the boundaries between stage and technology together with artists.
Invest in your own digital capabilities. Digital inclusion starts with staff who are confident and critical in using new technology. In the project From AI to Z (opens in new tab), Hub-C and VAIA (opens in new tab) join forces to empower library staff in their role as digital guides. Through a free hybrid training – with online modules and live sessions – participants learn how to meaningfully use generative AI like ChatGPT in their operations.

Start small, think big

Ready to get started? Start small and thoughtfully. You don't have to digitize everything at once. Begin with one project, evaluate its impact on your audience, and build from there.

Digital inclusion does not start with technology, but with people. Therefore, begin with the needs of your audience. The right technology will naturally follow.
Interested in experimenting with gaming technology to attract a younger cultural audience but don't know where to start? Read this article from Hub-C (opens in new tab).

Soon, Hub-C will launch its spring program full of online and hybrid workshops on digital strategy and innovation.