The Fractured Atlas, NAMAC and Future of Music Coalition green paper, “The Future of Digital Infrastructure for the Creative Economy,” identifies a few tech and policy issues that arts groups might do well to consider. It’s not meant to be a magical solutions-generator for the arts, but it does present several possible frameworks that our field can use to navigate ever-shifting technological and cultural terrain.

First off, the paper states that access to technology is a must for the arts community. For example, open internet platforms allow us to innovate without having to ask permission. Better local media means more opportunities to engage people in our own backyards. If there are public policies that can keep these avenues open, it’s a good idea to stay abreast of them.

Staying flexible also means staying open, and not just to new ideas. Open source software promotes collaboration and open communication, lowers overhead costs and lets us design our own systems. These systems can be modified, adapted and tweaked by others in the field — even if they’re working in an entirely different discipline.

Which brings up another point made in this green paper. Disciplines and genres aren’t as fixed as they were in the past. Again, technology has played a major part here — today’s artists can collaborate with creators on the other side of the planet, which leads to some amazing creative cross-pollination. But this phenomenon needn’t be only cultural. We can also learn about what works for other groups and individuals and apply that knowledge to our own strategic objectives.

Finally, improved data collection and utility will help us to build on all of our work. Data allows us to improve relationships with our clientele and constituents, be smarter in our marketing efforts, and even help guarantee proper compensation for creators. There are free and powerful tools already available — Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, etc., and data should also be a key component of anything we build ourselves.

The future of the arts is unwritten. How the story turns out depends on not only our inborn creativity, but also our ability to adapt and use collaborative technology to our advantage. Have a look at this green paper and let me know in the comments what you think about the concept and framework — as with so many things, conversation is key.