Dig Ventures

DigVentures, established in 2011 by co-founders Lisa Westcott Wilkins and Brendon Wilkins, operates as a social enterprise that blends archaeological research with public participation. The organization's inception was driven by the founders' desire to make archaeology more accessible and sustainable, moving away from traditional developer-funded models. Lisa Westcott Wilkins brought her experience in journalism, media production, and community engagement, while Brendon Wilkins contributed his expertise as a field archaeologist and project manager. This combination of skills shaped the company's core mission to foster a direct connection between the public and archaeological work.

The business functions as a Public Benefit Company, structured to reinvest its profits back into its social mission of promoting archaeology and community involvement. Its business model is multifaceted, generating revenue through a combination of crowdfunding, direct public subscriptions, and commercial archaeological services for construction and development projects. This hybrid approach allows DigVentures to fund its community-focused digs while also operating as a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Registered Organisation. The company serves a diverse client base, including individuals with an interest in archaeology who can participate in digs, educational institutions, and commercial developers requiring archaeological assessments.

DigVentures' primary service is offering hands-on archaeological excavation experiences to the public, regardless of their prior experience. Participants, or 'Venturers,' can join digs at various sites, which have included notable locations such as Lindisfarne and the childhood home of Richard III. The organization has developed a proprietary digital platform, the 'Digital Dig Team,' which allows for real-time data recording and sharing from the field. This platform enhances the educational and collaborative aspects of the digs, enabling participants both on-site and remotely to engage with the research process. The company is also expanding its model into nature recovery, applying its participatory methods to environmental and ecological projects.

Keywords: archaeology, citizen science, crowdfunding, social enterprise, cultural heritage, public participation, historical research, community archaeology, heritage management, archaeological services