Streaming platforms for cultural events have emerged as a valuable tool to expand access to lectures, workshops, and events for museums and cultural institutions. These platforms can be used to reach more efficiently diverse audiences, particularly older adults and those with limited mobility or resources. These platforms offer opportunities for social engagement, cultural participation, and knowledge democratization. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalization of cultural events, making them more accessible to international audiences. While online events may lack some aspects of in-person interactions, they provide unprecedented access to knowledge.
Here are some key features of the most commonly used streaming platforms:
- YouTube: It is ideal for large-scale broadcasts. It offers many features such as live chat and analytics to allow users to track the engagement.
- Facebook live: This platform is suitable for informal events such as in the cases of live tours or behind the scenes showcases. This is enabled by the built-in audiences and interactive features of the platform.
- Zoom: It is excellent for workshops, member-exclusive events, and private sessions. It offers customisable options for smaller, focused audiences.
As mentioned in the beginning, using such platforms can be very beneficial for cultural institutions and their audiences. Such off-site digital mediation approaches allow to attract worldwide audiences, provide access for individuals with disabilities or in remote locations, and minimise logistical costs compared to in-person events. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. Technical expertise will be required to manage the platforms. Equipment may prevent smaller institutions with limited resources to create quality streaming content. Additionally, the isolated nature of virtual events can sometimes hinder community engagement, and low initial viewership may discourage sustained efforts. Addressing these challenges requires thoughtful planning, collaboration, and the integration of inclusive practices.
Steps to implement live streaming:
- Define your goals: Decide whether the event aims to educate, entertain, or promote inclusivity
- Choose a platform: Match the platform to your event’s needs and audience
- Ensure accessibility: Include subtitles, multilingual options, and visual descriptions to make content inclusive
- Promote the event: Use social media, email newsletters, and partnerships to generate interest
- Engage audiences: Use live chat, polls, and Q&A sessions to foster interaction
As streaming platforms continue to evolve, they have the potential to revolutionize access to education and cultural experiences worldwide.
Ressources
Biocca, L., & Paraciani, N. (2021). The STAGE Platform: User Engagement of Older People Through Co-Design and Extended Access to Streamed Cultural Events. Studies in health technology and informatics, 282, 429–438.
Caiola, V., Moreira Kares, E., Pillan, M., Spallazzo, D., & Tuomi, A. (2023). Remote Cultural Events: Investigating the Usefulness of Live Streaming for Creating Cultural and Social Engagement in Communities of Older Adults. Sustainability.
Cuseum. (2018). Video live streams as an engagement tool for museums. CultureHive.
Vizentin‐Bugoni, J., Cordeiro, J.E., Fontúrbel, F.E., & Ellison, A.M. (2020). A Camera and a Click to Democratize Knowledge. Bulletin of The Ecological Society of America.