The courses combine brief videos, real-world examples, and interactive activities designed with the day-to-day challenges of nonprofit arts management in mind. The courses are free and available online at courses.culturaldata.org.

“The Data Essentials courses are the logical next step in DataArts’ mission to equip arts and cultural organizations to collect, learn from, and use data effectively,” said Beth Tuttle, President and CEO of DataArts. "Professionals in the cultural sector will be able to develop new knowledge and skills in applying data to a host of decision making, financial planning, advocacy and audience development purposes.”

The courses were designed in consultation with arts professionals from across the country, and in partnership with respected subject matter experts: The Results Group for the Arts (TRG Arts),  Fiscal Management Associates (FMA), Julie Hawkins-Goodman of Drexel University, and Andrew Taylor of American University. Three courses, currently available, are:

• Connecting the Dots: Audience Data Essentials
  Explains data capture techniques, key audience metrics, and the basics of audience segmentation for audience development and successful marketing. Co-created with The Results Group for the Arts (TRG Arts).

• Strength in Numbers: Financial Data Essentials   
  Demystifies key financial metrics for insight and management, financial planning aligned with organizational strategy, and tools to determine the full cost of programs. Co-created with Fiscal Management Associates. 

• Looking as We Leap: Data for Decisions
  Five steps for decision-making process to help you clarify options and measure what matters. Created by Andrew Taylor, American University.

A fourth course, Making the Case: Advocacy Basics for Arts Leaders, developed with Julie Hawkins-Goodman of Drexel University, will be released in April 2017.

The online courses were made possible through support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Barra Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.

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About DataArts

DataArts’ mission is to empower the nonprofit arts and cultural sector with high-quality data and resources in order to strengthen its vitality, performance, and public impact. DataArts serves as an important catalyst for data-driven decision-making, resulting in stronger management for arts and cultural organizations, better informed funding policy for grant makers, and a rich information resource for advocates and researchers. Visit us at culturaldata.org.