Harnessing the power of research to learn and generate new insights, enabling the arts community to be strategic, focused and adaptive.

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:

DNA Resources

Data-Minded Arts Organizations

Members of the inaugural Designing Your Data Narrative Learning Series.

Data Coaches

Connect for guidance, advice, and practical insights on mobilizing data.

DNA Evaluation

Members of the Data Cohort share their experience and insights related to the DNA initiative.

DNA Teaching Tool

Created in partnership with capitalW.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.   

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.   

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

Canadian Heritage logo.
Canada Council for the Arts logo.
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