Measuring the Impact of the Arts

During this phase, B|G sought to gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s internal and external environment.

1. B|G reviewed internal documentation, which provided insight into current organizational operations, strategies, resources, capabilities, challenges and goals.
2. Interviews were conducted with six different stakeholder groups from the arts and culture sector.
3. A peer analysis was conducted of comparable communities resulting in a better understanding of best practices in measuring the impacts of arts and culture.

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A clear understanding of four previously identified cultural priority areas was established and preliminary measures & targets were developed for each of these four areas.

1. Focus group sessions were conducted with relevant cultural and community partners to gather feedback on these measures and targets.
2. Measures were revised, refined, and finalized to reflect stakeholder feedback.

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Recommendations were made for implementing the newly identified metrics and using them to drive improvements.  

1. This included a communications plan, a plan for gathering data, and ideas for cultivating commitment among community leaders.

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Established metrics has helped the client explore and communicate the ways in which the arts, culture, and heritage sector has enhanced quality of life and economic development in their surrounding region.

1. Metrics and data have allowed members of the arts community to plan new and mission-aligned actions/programs/initiatives make more compelling cases for investment in and support of the arts.
2. The wider public is now able to understand and appreciate the impacts of the arts in their lives.

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