PHILADELPHIA, PA - DataArts has launched the beta version of a new online data management platform and enhanced Cultural Data Profile (CDP) to advance the work of the nonprofit arts and culture sector by providing ready access to high-quality data, analytics, and educational resources. The web application consolidates the collection and reporting of reliable, standardized data for and about the $41.5 billion nonprofit arts and cultural sector and supports its use for evidence-based decision-making, philanthropy, and management.

In its first release, the system offers an intuitive technology experience with a new user-friendly dashboard and updated Data Profile that can be tailored to match the financial and programmatic complexities of a diverse range of organizations. With the new system, DataArts aids arts managers with planning, financial management, and case-making by providing free analytics and visualizations of data pertaining to performance trends, benchmarks, and annual activities. A new short form survey makes participation in the CDP easier and more equitable for the large number of small arts and cultural nonprofits with annual budgets of less than $50,000, which often include vital community-based and culturally specific organizations, as well as those in economically challenged areas.

DataArts coordinates national data collection and reporting, creating greater efficiency and effectiveness for arts and cultural fundraising, philanthropy, advocacy, and research purposes. By completing an annual Data Profile, organizations save time when applying for funding to hundreds of participating grant programs or responding to survey requests from national membership and advocacy organizations, such as Americans for the Arts and the League of American Orchestras (LAO).

DataArts developed the beta version of the system over the past two years with significant input from nonprofit managers across all cultural disciplines. The platform will be enhanced over the next several months, and new features will include analytic reports (including trend and comparison reports) for arts and culture organizations and grantmakers; a new search feature that allows cultural managers to find relevant funders; and Microsoft Excel export capability for grantmakers to perform data analysis.

The CDP, first introduced in 2004 as a standardized part of many funding applications, is currently used by thousands of cultural nonprofits annually to report on their organizations’ finances, operations, and programmatic activities. More than 100 public and private grantmakers nationwide implement the CDP and provide annual support for its operation. Leadership funding for technology development, expansion, educational resources, and operations provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Stay tuned for updates about the launch of the new DataArts platform!