Evaluating the Outcomes of Arts Experiences

A Sampler

Monday, October 17, 10:00am – 11:30am

Organized and moderated by Renae Youngs, Director, Research and Evaluation, Minnesota State Arts Board.

Presented by Sarah Cohn, Principal, Cohn Consulting, LLC; Anne Gadwa Nicodemus, Principal, Metris Arts Consulting; and Cheryl Kessler, Principal, Blue Scarf Consulting.

It can be hard to document the results, rather than quantity, of the arts experiences that grantmakers support. This session will explore outcome evaluation in the arts; critically consider the data grantmakers gather; and identify new, impact-oriented questions to ask. Presenters will also discuss ideas for expanding technical assistance in program evaluation that funders can pass along to their own stakeholders. Three program evaluation experts will introduce different topics using hands-on activities and examples from their own work. Participants will practice, reflect, and take home concrete resources. They will gain new evaluation skills, new ideas about what is possible in determining a project or initiative’s impact, and new capacity-building ideas to use with grantees.