Acting for Human-Centered and Ethical Digital Policies in Culture

On April 8, the newly established Action Group on Digital & AI, a joint initiative by Culture Action Europe (CAE) and the Michael Culture Association (MCA), held its inaugural workshop. With over than 40 participants from both networks, this workshop marked a significant step for the future of the Action Group, aimed at integrating a human-centered approach in digital policies within and beyond the cultural and creative sectors.

Introduction to the Action Group

The workshop began with a comprehensive presentation of the Action Group. Its primary aim is to influence European Union policies and ensure that the voice of the cultural sector is heard in the institutional field. The group’s work is oriented towards providing a sustainable, sector-wide advocacy on digital transformation challenges and opportunities.

Workshop Structure and Participant Engagement

The workshop was structured to maximize participant interaction and input:

1. Presentation of the Action Group
2. Breakout Sessions: Participants were divided into 2 breakout groups, each facilitated by CAE or MCA teams
3. Reporting and Next Steps: Each group presented their discussions and proposed actions moving forward.

Participants  brought diverse perspectives from various facets of the cultural and creative sectors.

Discussion Points and Breakout Sessions

The breakout sessions centered around several critical questions:

• Digital Policy Experiences: Participants shared how their organizations interact with digital policies, discussing both successes and challenges.
• Ethical Considerations: A significant focus was placed on the ethical aspects of digital policies, especially how these can be integrated to protect cultural heritage and ensure respectful data handling.
• Copyright Challenges: Discussing the enforcement of copyright in the digital realm, which remains a major challenge for content creators and cultural institutions.
• Advocating for Human-Centered Policies: Strategies were explored to advocate more effectively for policies that prioritize human needs, such as transparency, privacy, and inclusivity in digital initiatives.

Future Directions

The workshop concluded with clear next steps:

• Continuous Engagement: the workshop will be continued implementing new findings on April 30, but starting from July regular meetings will take place to discuss ongoing developments and maintain momentum.
• Survey Development: a sector-wide survey will be issued using the main takeaways of this workshop, in order to gather comprehensive insights on digital needs and challenges, informing future advocacy and policy recommendations.
• Policy Recommendations: Based on survey results and ongoing discussions, the group will draft recommendations aimed at influencing EU digital policy, particularly in light of upcoming political events like the Belgian Presidency and EU elections.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Path

The Action Group on Digital & AI is setting the stage for a robust dialogue between cultural stakeholders and policy-makers. With a commitment to addressing pressing issues like the AI Act and digital training needs, the group is poised to make significant contributions to shaping a culture-friendly digital future in Europe. This proactive approach ensures that the cultural and cultural heritage sectors are not only a participant in the digital transformation but also a guiding force in how these changes are implemented.

Do you want to join us during the April 30 session? Register here (MCA and CAE members only)