DataArts

The Cultural Data Project, now known as DataArts, is a national arts service organization that collects data from the cultural sector, trains arts organizations in data literacy, serves as a resource for researchers and advocates, and convenes conversations regarding data collection policies and the role of data in the sector. It is best known for its Cultural Data Profile, which began as an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts, where arts organizations completed online profiles with information about their finances, operations, and programs. Organizations submit these profiles to some funders as part of a grant application process or report, providing a more efficient way to interact with many funders while at the same time providing data that could be analyzed at a macro-level for trends in the sector. Recently DataArts created a new online platform for its work. It redesigned and streamlined the profile, making it easier for grantees to complete. DataArts now offers organizations that conduct research the opportunity to integrate their own surveys with the profile tool. The integration enhances effectiveness and, it is expected, participation. DataArts provides online and in-person support to organizations using its platform. DataArts develops and implements broader curriculum and workshops (both online and in-person) for using data as a management tool and as an asset for demonstrating impact. Award funds support activities related to refining the online platform, data collection, training and curriculum development, and research.

The Cultural Data Project is an online financial management, data collection, and research tool designed to strengthen the arts and culture sector. Organizations in participating states fill out a detailed Cultural Data Project profile online once a year. The profile collects financial, operation, and program data. The online portal allows arts and culture organizations to submit their data profiles to funders either as part of a report or part of an application process. The Foundation’s grant will support activities benefiting Illinois users including in-person and online support, education activities, improvements to the data platform, and research related to the data.

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) enables arts and culture organizations to enter financial, programmatic and operational data into a standardized online form. Organizations can then use the CDP to produce a variety of reports designed to help increase management capacity, identify strengths and challenges and inform decision-making. They can also generate reports to be included as part of the application processes to participating grantmakers. Grant funds will be used to provide continued technical support, trainings, and improvements to the Cultural Data Project platform.