In spring of 2021, the Department of Arts and Culture partnered with SMU DataArts to empower arts and cultural leaders with high-quality data and evidence-based resources and insights to help organizations overcome challenges and increase impact. If you were unable to view the series, recordings of all sessions and resources are available for viewing below. In addition to the recordings, here are links to resources that were shared for the Building Blocks sessions, specifically a budget template and a chart of accounts template. You can also find PDF versions of all the presentation slides.
The State of the Sector: Los Angeles Arts and Cultural Landscape Through the Early Stages of the Pandemic
Director and researcher Dr. Zannie Voss presented research on the landscape of the Los Angeles arts and cultural sector pre-pandemic and the early impact of COVID-19 to discuss the overall health of arts and culture organizations within Los Angeles, what we know so far, and what remains to be seen. In addition, Director of Programs Katie Ingersoll shared recent changes to the Cultural Data Profile to streamline data entry and discuss the analysis and benchmarking tools you can use once your data is entered.
This webinar was co-hosted with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, our local municipal arts agencies from Pasadena, West Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Torrance, and the City of Long Beach through the Long Beach Arts Council.
Building Blocks for Small Organizations: Budgeting Basics
This session examined the annual budget process, including why budgeting is critical, how to use a budget template, create different types of budgets for different audiences, and how to monitor an organizational budget throughout the year. This session was geared specifically to the needs of smaller organizations and arts managers with little financial knowledge or experience.
Building Blocks for Small Organizations: Chart of Accounts
This session explored the concept of a chart of accounts, including how it’s directly related to the budget process, how to create and modify charts, and how to use segments and classes to capture details. This session was geared specifically to the needs of smaller organizations and arts managers with little financial knowledge or experience.
Building Blocks for Small Organizations: Metrics and Working Capital
This session examined two key building blocks for financial health: metrics and working capital. Mastering these concepts and putting them into practice can help strengthen organization’s financial position over time. Participants learned about educational resources available through SMU DataArts to help apply the concepts learned within organizations. This session was meant for organizations who have established financial processes but want to learn more about how to glean actionable insights from financial reports.
Want More SMU | DATAARTS Events?
If you are interested in registering for additional events from SMU DataArts that will help your organization get the most out of the CDP, please visit their calendar.
SMU DataArts | Self-Led Learning
This partnership seeks to support SMU DataArts vision to build a national culture of data-driven decision making for those who want to see the arts and culture sector thrive, and make data useful and accessible to all in the arts and culture field, illuminating strengths, challenges and opportunities for individual arts organizations and for the sector as a whole, to help ensure long-term stability.
Here are some additional training opportunities that you can participate in on your own.
Navigating Uncertain Times: Scenario Planning Toolkit for Arts & Culture
The Wallace Foundation commissioned this from AEA Consulting.
Data Literacy Courses from DataArts
These interactive courses can be completed at their own pace, kind of like a MOOC. Each offers a certificate of completion. They’re free to anyone; just create a free account. Four courses in total, covering audience data, data for decision-making, financial data, and advocacy.
Tips and Tools for CDP Users
Resource of 100+ shorter videos. Some show how to fill out different parts of the CDP, while others cover key financial concepts in nonprofit management.
Case Studies from DataArts
Short videos showcasing how different arts nonprofits around the country have used data to strengthen their work.