White Light Launches Culture is Digital Report at National Gallery

On Wednesday 7^th March, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport launched the Culture is Digital report. The report announced how museums, galleries, theatres and heritage organisations will be given access to cutting-edge technology and digital skills training in order to help them reach new and diverse audiences. The launch took place at the National Gallery. As an approved supplier to the venue, White Light was called upon to provide the technical solutions.

The Culture is Digital report was announced by the DCMS’ Secretary of State Matt Hancock. He comments: “We want the UK to be the best place in the world to trial pioneering technology, whilst also maintaining our world-leading status as a centre of artistic and cultural excellence. Our Culture is Digital report sets out how culture and technology can collaborate, learn from one another and keep innovating. By embracing new technologies and attracting more diverse audiences, we will continue to cement our status as a creative powerhouse in the digital age”.

DCMS approached WL to provide the technical support on the event. This was overseen by WL’s Conference Account Manager Shrenik Singhavi and WL’s Project Manager Luke Hance. Shrenik comments: “The event took place in The Wohl Room at the National Gallery; a space we know very well. The DCMS asked us to provide the video solutions for the launch. These were utilised for the opening speech given by Matt Hancock along with the companies showcasing at the event”.

                  WL’s Shrenik Singhavi

Those showcasing at the launch included Factory 42, Science Museum, BBC/Civilisations, the Welsh National Opera and Smartify. Shrenik explains: “We supplied a range of screens, on which each individual organisation could display their individual content. These showcased some of the finest examples of digital culture, which included cutting-edge immersive installations using the very latest technology”.

WL supplied an on-site team of video technicians and project managers who oversaw the smooth running of the event. The crew arrived on site at 6:30am to prepare for the event which started at 8:00am. The equipment was delivered the day before to ensure that it was ready for an immediate set up.

Shrenik adds: “When working in a busy space such as the National Gallery, planning is essential. The timings for the day could not be changed so we had to do as much preparation as possible to ensure everything ran on time”.

The launch marks another event that WL has supplied at the National Gallery. The company has supported a range of events at the venue, including the Bristol University Strategy Launch, Edmund Burke Award along with the launch of the Gallery’s own Venue Hire services.

Shrenik states: “Having worked at the National Gallery on many occasions, we have an extensive knowledge of the venue and know how to maximise the use of the beautiful spaces there; something we were able to do for the Culture is Digital report”.