Data Narratives for the Arts
Data Narratives for the Arts (DNA) is an initiative to ignite data empowerment within the arts community!
DNA is a program that includes the DNA Platform, an unparalleled national resource of financial and operational data from 4000+ arts organizations and a Data-Utilization Learning Series that will enable arts professionals to utilize data in a practical way and enhance arts organizations’ ability to tell impactful stories through data.
Data Dives
Data workshops and customized coaching to help arts organizations understand and enhance their impact.
Enter the DNA Platform
Launched November 2024, the DNA Platform contains the financial data of over 4000 arts organizations.
DNA Platform Orientation
Asynchronous, in-depth video providing an introduction to and overview of the DNA Platform: Sector Snapshot Dashboard.
Add Your Organization to the DNA Platform
The DNA Platform contains the financial data of 4000+ arts organizations. To check if your organization is already included, visit the DNA Platform and click the link at the top of the page that says, “Not sure if your organization is reflected in the dataset? Find out.”
If your organization isn’t yet represented and you’d like it to be, you have two options:
- If your organization is in the CADAC database, take two minutes to complete the CADAC Permission Form.
- If your organization is not in CADAC, you can fill out the DNA Simplified Form and email it back to Robin Sokoloski at [email protected].
DNA Resources
DNA Outreach Package
Encourage your colleagues to add their organizations to the DNA Platform! Mass Culture has prepared the below outreach package to assist you.
Data Coaches
Connect for guidance, advice, and practical insights on mobilizing data.
Data-Minded Arts Organizations
Members of the inaugural Designing Your Data Narrative Learning Series.
DNA Evaluation
Members of the Data Cohort share their experience and insights related to the DNA initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roadmap for the DNA Project
- Phase 1: A preliminary model and platform was developed in partnership with Capital W using available CRA data. The platform, version 1.0 was launched in September 2023.
- Phase 2: Engaged with 14 arts organizations across Canada to design and pilot data-to-practice processes. 10 learning modules were designed and a roster of 80+ data coaches was built to support the sectoral learning and test the platform.
- Phase 3: In partnership with Purpose Analytics, work to improve and expand the platform to include data from more sources began. Version 2.0 to launch on November 28, 2024
- Phase 4: In 2025, the focus will be sector engagement, monitoring and making refinements to the tool based on usage, and building an inclusive and robust data set that represents the diversity of the arts and culture sector.
- Phase 5: Beyond 2025, the focus will be on the incorporation of AI and other emergent technologies into the platform.
What are key features of the DNA Platform?
- Comprehensive Financial and Operational Data: Users can access a wide range of financial and operational data from arts organizations, which can be useful for analysis and decision-making.
- In-depth Analysis and Benchmarking: The platform offers tools and features to perform detailed analysis and benchmarking, allowing users to compare the performance of different arts organizations or track trends over time.
- Research Opportunities for Academics and Students: Researchers in the arts field can leverage the platform’s data for their academic studies and research projects.
- Advocacy Tools for Arts Workers: Arts workers, such as artists and arts administrators, can use the platform’s resources and data to advocate for their industry’s interests by accessing information that supports their arguments or proposals.
What is a data narrative?
A data narrative refers to the practice of using data to tell a compelling and coherent story or message. It involves the combination of quantitative data, such as statistics and measurements, with qualitative elements to convey information effectively and engage an audience.
What is a Data Coach?
Data Coaches are individuals who have expertise related to data utilization and who are interested in working closely with arts organization to help them achieve their data goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roadmap for the DNA Project
- Phase 1: A preliminary model and platform was developed in partnership with Capital W using available CRA data. The platform, version 1.0 was launched in September 2023.
- Phase 2: Engaged with 14 arts organizations across Canada to design and pilot data-to-practice processes. 10 learning modules were designed and a roster of 80+ data coaches was built to support the sectoral learning and test the platform.
- Phase 3: In partnership with Purpose Analytics, work to improve and expand the platform to include data from more sources began. Version 2.0 to launch on November 28, 2024
- Phase 4: In 2025, the focus will be sector engagement, monitoring and making refinements to the tool based on usage, and building an inclusive and robust data set that represents the diversity of the arts and culture sector.
- Phase 5: Beyond 2025, the focus will be on the incorporation of AI and other emergent technologies into the platform.
What are key features of the DNA Platform?
- Comprehensive Financial and Operational Data: Users can access a wide range of financial and operational data from arts organizations, which can be useful for analysis and decision-making.
- In-depth Analysis and Benchmarking: The platform offers tools and features to perform detailed analysis and benchmarking, allowing users to compare the performance of different arts organizations or track trends over time.
- Research Opportunities for Academics and Students: Researchers in the arts field can leverage the platform’s data for their academic studies and research projects.
- Advocacy Tools for Arts Workers: Arts workers, such as artists and arts administrators, can use the platform’s resources and data to advocate for their industry’s interests by accessing information that supports their arguments or proposals.
What is a data narrative?
A data narrative refers to the practice of using data to tell a compelling and coherent story or message. It involves the combination of quantitative data, such as statistics and measurements, with qualitative elements to convey information effectively and engage an audience.
What is a Data Coach?
Data Coaches are individuals who have expertise related to data utilization and who are interested in working closely with arts organization to help them achieve their data goals.
Through the DNA Platform and accompanying learning tools, DNA will empower the arts sector with a data-driven mindset, showcasing the genuine value and immense impact this sector brings to society. Thank you to our partners and funders for supporting this vital initiative.
If you believe in the power of data- and research-driven work, donate to Mass Culture today!
This initiative is made possible through the support of the following
