Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced a $30 million initiative to bolster the recovery of U.S. and UK nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening their technology infrastructure.

The Digital Accelerator Program will help organizations invest in tools and training to build audiences, increase fundraising, drive revenue, and continue to deliver dynamic programming virtually and in person. The program also will help develop and share best practices around technology investments that will contribute to the recovery of the wider cultural community. Despite the pandemic highlighting how powerful digital technology can be in reaching new audiences, a survey published by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in 2020 found that 31 percent of museums had no digital strategy while 29 percent said theirs was still in development.

The forty-six organizations selected for the initial cohort include the Apollo Theater Foundation, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and SMU DataArts in the United States, and Ballet Black, Battersea Arts Centre, and the Old Vic in the United Kingdom.

"The Apollo's Digital Stage proved to be a place for joy and hope, as more than 500,000 households tuned in to watch more than 45 virtual programs," said Apollo Theater president and CEO Jonelle Procope. "Now, as we look forward to our re-opening this fall, and a newly redeveloped Victoria Theater next year, we know that investment in our digital infrastructure will be essential to engage community members and donors, grow revenue, and present newly commissioned work to the wideset possible audience. The funding and expertise provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies will be invaluable in helping us achieve these goals."

(Photo credit: Ballet Black)