Ovata - An AI-powered audience engagement platform connecting performing arts organizations and audiences

FEDORA
KEARNEY
Digital Prize 2027
Shortlist

Platform member

Finland
Finnish National Opera and Ballet

Ovata - An AI-powered audience engagement platform connecting performing arts organizations and audiences © © Elli Koliniati, AI-generated concept image i

An AI-powered audience engagement platform that transforms cultural communication into personalized, interactive conversations before and after live performances.

Presentation

The project develops an AI-powered audience engagement platform that enables performing arts organizations to build meaningful relationships with their audiences before and after a performance. Moving beyond one-way communication, the platform transforms ticket holders into active participants through personalized conversations, curated content, and interactive storytelling delivered through web and familiar messaging channels.

The platform integrates with ticketing systems, web shops, and communication workflows to deliver timely, context-aware interactions based on audience data, performance schedules, and editorial content. At its core is an AI conversational agent that uses curated production material and institution-defined rules to answer questions, recommend content, stimulate discussions, and support audience engagement while preserving artistic and editorial control. Organizations can create different AI companions: from informative guides to dramaturgical characters and creative agents, allowing each production to develop its own conversational experience.

The platform combines information, audience feedback, and creative interaction within a single conversational experience. Users can engage in conversations, access behind-the-scenes material, discover contextual information, and interact with AI-driven narratives that deepen their connection to artistic works. It also gathers anonymized audience insights, helping organizations better understand their communities and refine future communication.

The project aims to become a scalable platform for performing arts organizations across Europe. By combining artificial intelligence with audience development, it strengthens cultural participation, fosters lasting communities around artistic productions, and supports the digital transformation of the sector. Designed as a reusable platform, it enables each organization to curate its own AI-powered audience experiences.

Artistic Team

Finnish National Opera and Ballet: Hannu Järvensivu. Greek National Opera: Elli Koliniati. Aegean Solutions: Savvas Varitimiadis, Alexandros Tzortzakakis