Through the research and sensemaking process, three major narratives took shape:
• arts and culture is increasingly profit-driven, commercially measured, and focused on experiences
• arts and culture take a more active role in supporting social innovation, inclusion and diversity.
• arts and culture shifts to many independent digital platforms.

The overarching theme was one of pragmatism and openness to “rigorous, smart adaptation,” finding ways to walk a line between embracing new ways of working, creating and sharing through innovation, while taking a front-stage role in expanding diversity and social connectedness.

Audiences will continue to move online, regardless of the short-term fluctuations of COVID. “The Metaverse” is coming, but it must be inclusive and not just open to those with the best technology, networks, and investment.

There is a recognition that historic models of funding and support are not suitable for the future, and that new models are possible, and already emerging. These include new ownership models, new economic tools, and even taxation models.

Arts and culture need to rethink its conception of “publics” as well as its role as a public good that can actively seed new futures.