ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

V&A's digital strategy: four times more online visitors than physical

digital · 2026-04-27

Katie Price, the Head of Digital Media at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London, elaborates on the museum's shift towards digital engagement. Prior to the lockdown, the V&A showcased a significant kimono exhibition. Digital media has become crucial for museums, with the V&A connecting with four times as many individuals online compared to in-person visits annually. The ongoing digital initiatives include high-resolution imagery and detailed metadata. Social media has enhanced storytelling and audience reach. The V&A's strategic goals—broadening audiences, global outreach, inspiring creative sectors, and promoting sustainability—are intertwined with digital efforts. In 2016, Price made a case for digital investment, leading to an increase of 500,000 physical visitors over three years. She began her journey with the V&A in 1997 while pursuing a Master's in Design History.

Key facts

  • Katie Price is Head of Digital Media at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
  • The V&A reaches four times more people online than physically each year.
  • Digitalization of the collection includes objects from a Tudor pin to a medieval staircase.
  • The museum's strategic priorities include diversifying audiences, presenting collections globally, extending reach, inspiring creative industries, and ensuring sustainability.
  • Metrics track three user goals: buy, learn, visit.
  • A 2016 business case for digital investment led to 500,000 additional physical visitors over three years.
  • Price completed a Master's in Design History at the V&A and Royal College of Art in 1997.
  • She recommends the book 'Nine Lies about Work'.

Entities

Artists

  • Katie Price
  • Mary Quant

Institutions

  • Victoria & Albert Museum
  • Royal College of Art
  • Artribune

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources