- DataArts News
SMU DataArts Turns One
- Posted Aug 08, 2019
Our First Year In Numbers
One year ago today, Southern Methodist University announced the merger of its National Center for Arts Research (NCAR) with DataArts, the Philadelphia-based, respected national resource for in-depth data about nonprofit arts, culture, and humanities organizations.
We joined forces to strengthen the national arts and cultural community through data, the knowledge that can be generated from it, and the resources to learn from and use it.
Memorable Moments From Our Staff
Michelle Higgins
Manager of Strategic Engagement
“I had my first child in November and I really appreciate the lengths to which my colleagues supported me through my transition and during my leave.”
Zannie Voss
Executive Director
“During a day-long meeting, it was immediately apparent that we shared the same values, priorities & that we saw the same desired impact, which was a huge boost to collective confidence that merging was the right path...”
Curt Herridge
Executive Director of Applications
“I recall visiting DataArts early in the diligence process and asking a days’ worth of questions about the product and operations. I also recall a great dinner when we all went to Philly and had a happy hour.”
Thank you for helping us make this first year as a merged organization a success!
Our deepest gratitude goes out to those who rallied behind the merger with major support.
Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Better Together Fund, The Greater Philadelphia Nonprofit Repositioning Fund, SMU DataArts board members and respected philanthropists Donna Wilhelm, Melissa and Trevor Fetter, and Diane and Hal Brierley.
Our Mission
To empower arts and cultural leaders with high-quality data and evidence-based resources and insights that help them to help overcome challenges and increase impact.