Inner Ear was commissioned to research, analyse and present the Paisley 2021 Digital Latency and Digital Welcome Consultancy Report, a visionary study supporting Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. This report explores how digital technology can transform access, participation and economic opportunity for communities, cultural organisations and creative industries in Paisley and beyond.
Understanding Digital Latency
The report begins by asking, “What will you do about digital latency?”—a question that inspired robust analysis of challenges and opportunities in digital connectivity and cultural infrastructure:
“If we deconstruct it, then the question becomes cryptic, if not obtuse. In attempting to provide a robust answer to it… the question pushed us to consider how best we could provide both a strong digital foundation for the Paisley 2021 UK City of Culture Bid and a set of strategic recommendations for developing infrastructure to enhance Paisley’s venue and location assets in line with DCMS objectives and enable future potential.”
Digital latency is explored through its impact on audience experience, access, inclusion and business opportunity. The report identifies and proposes practical solutions for common types of latency, including audio, video, calls and broadcast:
“Latency can affect the audience experience in several ways… but each latency problem has practical solutions. With broadcast, the worst experience for the viewer or listener is buffering… Our many years of experience in live streaming cultural events enables us to present the following detail on how to mitigate online broadcast issues.”
Towards a Digital Welcome
Moving from challenges to opportunity, the report outlines a “digital welcome” strategy, extending inclusion and participation for all, regardless of financial situation, location, age or ability:
“Digital technology can be employed to include as many people as possible in an experience regardless of financial situation, geographic location, age or ability… This kind of ‘digital inclusion’ may facilitate the consumption of content created, published and shared in Paisley with a local audience who may not otherwise be able to access it.”
Key Recommendations & Case Studies
- Infrastructure: Upgrade venues with high-speed connectivity, flexible networking, and technical resources for live streaming and digital content creation.
- Audience Reach: Leverage live streaming and interactive content to connect with remote, underserved and international audiences.
- Cultural Tourism: Use digital media and streaming to boost visitor engagement and economic impact. A survey by EKOS found that Piping Live! Festival… contributed £2.5M to Glasgow’s economy. Inner Ear works with Piping Live!’s promoters on the Glenfiddich Piping Championship in Blair Atholl. We estimate that these visitors contribute £60K in gross spending to the Scottish economy. The stream costs around £10K to produce.
- Virtual Recce & Tech Packs: Propose “virtual recce” tours and downloadable tech packs to attract event organisers, producers and international promoters to Paisley’s unique venues.
Future-Proofing Paisley’s Cultural Sector
The report urges ongoing consultation, strategic investment and the establishment of a Digital Welcome Framework:
“Paisley’s digital welcome needs and deserves investment… This project will continually evolve so it is hard to pinpoint a definite end but as it evolves it leaves a legacy… an archive of cultural content, a mass movement of community collaboration and economic benefit to the area due to more business done.”
Download the Full Report
Download the Paisley 2021 Digital Latency and Digital Welcome Consultancy Report (PDF)
Unlock Your Digital Potential
If you want to strengthen your organisation’s digital infrastructure, reach new audiences, and future-proof your creative work, contact Inner Ear. We specialise in consultancy, live streaming and digital media strategies for culture, arts and heritage sectors, helping you turn vision into reality.