Automation Lab

Reducing Administrative Burden in the Cultural Sector Through Technology

A pilot initiative by the

NWCT Arts Council

with support from

Connecticut Economic & Community Development
N/A
Tool Uses
N/A
Hours Redirected to Mission-Driven Work
N/A
Nonprofit Labor Savings
About the Project

A structured, low-risk path to explore automation.

“Through discovery, pilot projects, and shared documentation, the endeavor aims to identify practical approaches that free up staff time for mission-driven work while building reusable infrastructure for the sector.”

The initiative targets arts & culture nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut.

Crab plush with code on monitor
Our Theory of Change

We aim to help close the widening AI access gap and ensure that arts & culture nonprofits are not left behind as technology advances.

Learn More
Roadmap

The Plan

Jan to Apr 2026Complete

Phase 1: Research & Discovery

Goals
  • Understand how nonprofits are currently handling administrative work and AI use
  • Identify common pain points and readiness levels across organizations
  • Determine which processes are realistic candidates for automation
Deliverables
  • Sector-wide survey results and analysis
  • Summary of shared operational challenges and opportunities
  • Clear criteria for pilot project selection
  • Shortlist of high-potential automation use cases
May to Dec 2026Underway

Phase 2: Pilot Projects

Goals
  • Test automation approaches in real nonprofit environments
  • Reduce administrative burden without adding complexity or risk
  • Learn what works, what doesn't, and why
Deliverables
  • Implemented pilot automation workflows
  • Documentation of decisions, constraints, and adjustments
  • Observations on staff experience, sustainability, and maintenance needs
  • Measured time and labor savings where applicable
2027Planned

Phase 3: Systematization

Goals
  • Translate pilot learning into repeatable, maintainable approaches
  • Identify which solutions can be adapted by other organizations
  • Support smarter future investment in shared infrastructure
Deliverables
  • Reusable frameworks, templates, and documentation
  • Clear guidance on when automation is and is not appropriate
  • Public case study and implementation framework
  • Prioritized recommendations for next-phase funding or expansion
2026 Automation Lab

Phase 1: Research Findings. How cultural nonprofits are spending staff time, where administrative burden is greatest, and what organizations most want to automate.

The findings point to a clear need for practical, responsible tools that can bridge existing systems and reduce operational strain.

Read the Phase 1 Report »
Timeline: 2023 to 2025

Case Studies

2023

Arts Council: Internal Process Automation

Funded byFoundation for Community Health
Funding$10,000
Timeline1 year (400 hours)
30 hrs/week
Labor savings (1,560 hours/year)
$31,200/yr
Cost offset
Tech Stack
ZapierGivebutterSalesforceQuickbooksGmailSlackMailchimpAirtableDuda
2025

Arts Council: Print Calendar Automation

Funded byEthan Brewerton
FundingIn-Kind Development Time
Timeline1 week (20 hours)
20 hrs/month
Labor savings (240 hours/year)
$4,800/yr
Cost offset
Tech Stack
Google Gemini 3 AI StudioCustom Python ApplicationCivicLift
2025

Arts Council: Email Newsletter Automation

Funded byEthan Brewerton
FundingIn-Kind Development Time
Timeline1 day (4 hours)
3 hrs/week
Labor savings (~150 hours/year)
$3,000/yr
Cost offset
Tech Stack
Google Gemini 3 AI StudioCivicLiftMailchimp
See It in Action

Print Calendar Automation

(Before and After)
Who We Are

Our Team

Steph Burr

Steph Burr

Project Manager

Steph Burr is a nonprofit leader with hands-on experience improving operations through technology, automation, and systems design.

As Executive Director of the NWCT Arts Council, she has implemented workflows across fundraising, grants, and membership programs using a wide range of software platforms. She has extensive technical proficiency and is a member of the Zapier Wizard’s Guild.

Ethan S. Brewerton

Ethan S. Brewerton

Development Lead

Ethan S. Brewerton is a creative technologist dedicated to operational efficiency. With two years of specialized experience in computational models and generative scripting, he has mastered the art of automating intricate, multi-step processes.

Previously using these skills to enhance hand made artistic production, Ethan now applies his automation expertise to the non-profit sector. He helps organizations modernize their operations by building custom tools that democratize access to technology, streamline daily tasks, and amplify overall impact.

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