CMS and platform updates
A major part of our work revolves around content management systems (CMS). We integrate these systems to enable clients to efficiently and effectively operate their website with engaging content.
Drupal 11 was one of the big CMS releases of 2024, entering the fray in early August. This new version includes several security and accessibility enhancements, as well as API-first capabilities. Throughout 2025, we expect many arts and culture organisations will be adopting or updating their CMS set-ups to capitalise on what Drupal 11 brings to the table.
WordPress is also set for some important releases in 2025, with WordPress 6.8 Beta 1 due to come out in March, WordPress 6.9 Beta 1 in June, and WordPress 7.0 Beta 1 in September.
These releases have a collective focus on providing enhanced accessibility to enable more users to engage with websites, improving load times, offering more no-code tools to simplify platform management for non-technical staff, and enhancing hosting compatibility.
As for ecommerce platforms, Shopify will continue growing this year as the platform benefits more and more from AI-powered commerce tools and new automation and analytics features. This will offer users greater insights into how their website is performing, as well as enhance their site management capabilities.
Forthcoming changes to industry standards
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is one of the major industry standards organisations must be aware of in 2025.
Our accessibility expert, Ben, shares more in his blog. In a nutshell, the EAA is a landmark piece of EU legislation. It’s designed to improve the accessibility of products and services and sets out specific accessibility requirements for organisations to follow from a digital standpoint. Many of these requirements align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA.
The EAA will come into force in June 2025, and any organisations looking to engage with customers or individuals within the EU need to take note of the legislation’s requirements. Accessibility remains at the forefront of industry thinking. Delivering accessible websites and content is not only best practice, providing everyone with the opportunity to enjoy features and formats that meet their individual needs but it's also legislation.
A growing reliance on funding
It’s no secret that purse strings are being tightened across many sectors, and arts and culture is no different.In 2025, we predict an increasing focus on securing grants and sponsorships in order for arts and culture organisations to continue doing the great work they do and fulfil their digital ambitions.
In the digital space specifically, programmes like the Bloomberg’s Digital Accelerator will continue to play a vital role in enabling digital transformation and allowing arts and culture organisations to better serve customers and audiences.
We expect there may be more exploration of alternative revenue streams for arts and culture organisations as they try to get a step ahead. This might come in the form of more subscription models and digital memberships, for example.
If you are looking to apply for funding in 2025, our guide to arts and culture funding for digital projects is a must read. In the guide, you will find best-practice application tips from our team as well as industry experts along with available options and tips to help boost your chances of a successful funding application.
Managing digital risk
If you have secured funding or are preparing to launch a big digital project this year, then it’s crucial to account for digital risk, which can often be overlooked. Deloitte found 70% of digital transformation projects are failures. Regardless of the project size, taking the steps to mitigate risk can maximise your chances of success. For larger projects which have higher budgets, more resource, technology and your team’s involvement, the risk, naturally, increases.
In his blog, Brian shares the key steps you can take to successfully de-risk your projects and shares our framework for managing digital risk.
Embracing sustainability
Finding ways to operate in an environmentally friendly way has become a priority across several sectors. There is a need to comply with industry standards, but there is also an increasingly moralistic standpoint taken by organisations and their customers who want to protect the planet and operate in a way that is not contributing to the wider problem.
While this is already happening in arts and culture, it will only continue to ramp up in 2025. We predict more organisations will look to reduce carbon scores through green hosting and sustainable web design practices, as well as making a general effort to reduce digital carbon footprints. We have shared lots of guidance around how you can achieve sustainable practice for websites, as well as ecommerce stores.
Thinking ahead
Though there are undoubted challenges, 2025 can also bring a lot of positive change and opportunities.
Keeping sustainability and accessibility front of mind, exploring funding options and choosing the right CMS and technical solutions for your organisation will be key to setting yourself up for success.
If you are looking to elevate your digital experience in 2025 and navigate evolving technologies, we can help.
