Introduction

As Project Manager, I oversaw a full-scale transformation of the Arts Council Collection’s online presence — from appointing the design agency to delivering a modernised, intuitive, and visually engaging website. This included a complete overhaul of site navigation, aesthetics, branding and search functionality, plus the tagging of over 8,000+ artworks to boost discoverability and SEO. At the forefront of the project were the values of sustainability and accessibility, ensuring the platform met high environmental standards and was inclusive for all audiences.

Phase 1: Research and Procurement

Familiarisation with CMS structure and existing content
Analysis of SEO and GA4 reports to map user journeys
Conducted competitor analysis to benchmark best practices.
Identified key requirements, forming the basis for a design brief issued to tender.

This phase established a data-driven foundation and ensured the project began with a clear, evidence-based brief to attract the right agency partner.

Phase 2: Design and Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborated with the appointed web design agency on creative direction.
Facilitated workshops and consultations to gather stakeholder input across the organisation
Refined visual and functional design to align with audience needs and organisational goals.

Early and active engagement with stakeholders secured buy-in, balanced artistic vision with usability, and shaped a design that worked for all audiences.

Phase 3: Reorganisation and site restructure

Used insights from workshops to overhaul site navigation and hierarchy.
Streamlined content pathways to improve user experience.

This restructure made the site intuitive and accessible, allowing visitors to find artworks and information with ease.

Phase 4: Behind-the-scenes work

Oversaw three major CMS (Drupal) upgrades.
Directed a full audit of website content.
Led the categorisation and tagging of over 8,000 artworks.
Wrote and edited copy for key pages to improve clarity and engagement.

These technical and editorial improvements modernised the site’s infrastructure, enhanced search functionality, and strengthened SEO performance.

Phase 5: Launch and stabilisation

Managed User Acceptance Testing (UAT), accessibility checks, and UX testing.
Oversaw site launch and resolved post-launch issues to ensure smooth operation.

Rigorous testing and a carefully managed rollout ensured a stable, accessible, and user-friendly site from day one.

Impact

Delivered a visually engaging, sustainable, and accessible platform that improves discoverability, reflects the Arts Council Collection’s cultural value, and better serves its audiences.

Arts Council Collection Website Redesign