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

DNA Logo.

Data Narratives for the Arts

We equip the arts sector with the training and tools to effectively articulate its impact using sector data.

Prepare for the DNA Platform

New DNA Platform, Version 2.0

Launching November 2024

Enter the Arts Data Platform

Version 1.0

Launched September 2023

Join us on November 28th for a series of Data Workshops and the BIG reveal of the DNA platform.

TIME (Eastern)ACTIVITY
12 – 1pmRelaunching the DNA Platform with Purpose Analytics
1 – 1:15pmCADAC Hackathon! Add your organization to the DNA Platform
2 – 3pmData-Minded Survey Workshop with Brampton Arts Organization
3 – 3:15Review the DNA Ripple Effect Map (evaluating the Learning Series)
3:15 – 4:45pmAI & Equitable Data with Meena Das, Namaste Data
4:45 – 5pmGet a sneak peak into “Data Dives”, the next iteration of the DNA Learning Series

DNA Resources

Data Demos

Dive deep into the design and piloting of a data-to-practice process.

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 Resource Centre

Everything you need to know about the initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Narratives for the Arts (D.N.A) is an initiative to ignite data empowerment within the arts community! D.N.A is a program that includes the Arts Data Platform, an unparalleled national resource of financial and operational data from 4000+ charitable 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.

  • 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.

If you are affiliated with an arts organization, the Arts Data Platform is free to access. Email [email protected] to receive a form that will provide you with a temporary password.

If you are neither an artist, nor affiliated with an arts organization, but would like to access the Arts Data Platform, there is a fee. Please email [email protected] to receive a form to receive a temporary password.

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.   

Mass Culture will share all submissions with the cohort. Each cohort member will have the opportunity to review the submissions and identify a Data Coach that they feel would best support them on their journey to create a data narrative. 

The final leg of the learning intensive will have each participating arts organization illustrate and share how data can be utilized to convey insights, trends, and meaningful information within the context of their own organization. It involves using data-driven visuals, analyses, and narratives to communicate the impact, effectiveness, and value of arts-related initiatives, projects, or organizations. These demonstrations (blogs, zines, art pieces, etc) aim to provide a tangible example of how data can be harnessed to tell compelling stories and support decision-making within the arts community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Narratives for the Arts (D.N.A) is an initiative to ignite data empowerment within the arts community! D.N.A is a program that includes the Arts Data Platform, an unparalleled national resource of financial and operational data from 4000+ charitable 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.

  • 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.

If you are affiliated with an arts organization, the Arts Data Platform is free to access. Email [email protected] to receive a form that will provide you with a temporary password.

If you are neither an artist, nor affiliated with an arts organization, but would like to access the Arts Data Platform, there is a fee. Please email [email protected] to receive a form to receive a temporary password.

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.   

Mass Culture will share all submissions with the cohort. Each cohort member will have the opportunity to review the submissions and identify a Data Coach that they feel would best support them on their journey to create a data narrative. 

The final leg of the learning intensive will have each participating arts organization illustrate and share how data can be utilized to convey insights, trends, and meaningful information within the context of their own organization. It involves using data-driven visuals, analyses, and narratives to communicate the impact, effectiveness, and value of arts-related initiatives, projects, or organizations. These demonstrations (blogs, zines, art pieces, etc) aim to provide a tangible example of how data can be harnessed to tell compelling stories and support decision-making within the arts community.

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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