As technology becomes increasingly intertwined within cultural work, arts and cultural organizations face new questions about surveillance, operational security, and the ethical use of emerging tools. How can organizations protect the integrity of their work and the safety of communities while continuing to engage audiences, organize meaningful programs, and uphold artistic freedom?
Rethinking Technology: Culture Under Surveillance brings complementary perspectives from Sydney Ziems (Founder of Shadowbanned Magazine) and Nik Honeysett (Director and CEO of Balboa Park Online Collaborative) for navigating today’s cultural and technological landscape. Sydney Ziems will share strategies for strengthening community organizing and engagement offline, reducing reliance on digital platforms, while Nik Honeysett will discuss how cultural institutions can adopt technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in ways that are ethical, mindful of safety, and that uphold institutional autonomy and trust. The conversation will explore practical approaches to operational security, responsible technology use, and sustaining artistic freedom in an era of increasing surveillance and digital risk.
Participant Bios:
Sydney Ziems (Founder of Shadowbanned Magazine)
Sydney Ziems is a designer, writer, and educator whose work examines systems of power. Working across publishing, design, installation, and research. Ziems' work critiques contemporary political structures through visual and editorial practice. Ziems is also the founding director of Shadowbanned Magazine, an independent publication focused on politics and culture.
Nik Honeysett (Director and CEO of Balboa Park Online Collaborative)
Nik Honeysett is the CEO of BPOC, a San Diego-based, non-profit consultancy that connects audiences to art, culture, and science. BPOC provides IT support and MSP services, as well as business and digital strategy for the cultural sector. Previously, Nik was the Head of Administration for the Getty Museum. He is a former board member of the American Alliance of Museums and Museum Computer Network, and current Board Chair of the Institute for Learning Innovation, a free-choice learning nonprofit. Nik can be found frequently speaking on a range of technical, business, and strategy opportunities and the various challenges facing the cultural sector today.
About NCAC:
Since its inception in 1974, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has functioned as a first responder in protecting freedom of expression, a fundamental human right and a keystone of democracy. Representing more than 60 national education, publishing, and arts organizations, NCAC encourages and facilitates dialogue between diverse voices, perspectives, and audiences.
