Integrate with SMU DataArts
SMU DataArts (https://culturaldata.org/about/) is widely recognized as the standard for data collection and analysis in the arts and culture sector. Many funders—including private foundations, municipal and regional agencies, and state-level public funding entities—already require applicants to complete the Cultural Data Profile (CDP) as part of the grant process.
This creates duplication and added costs. For example, the Ohio Arts Council
uses SMU DataArts through its Artie platform to collect and report statewide impact data. In Cleveland, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture relies on a costly customized SurveyMonkey system (https://apply.surveymonkey.com). In both cases, arts organizations are entering the same data multiple times across different platforms, which is a waste of time and an expensive use of staff capacity.
An integration with SMU DataArts would make this process seamless. Funders could avoid expensive custom technology solutions and use Foundant, and arts organizations could spend less time duplicating work and more time focusing on their missions. It would also strengthen the field by producing consistent, reliable data that can be shared locally, statewide, and nationally to demonstrate impact.
You can see these commitments outlined in their 2024 Annual Report: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGc8RYPHWc/EpikVJ9qP0g8brUAISOhjg/view
ArtsNow would be glad to help connect you with both funders and arts organizations across Ohio currently requiring DataArts, so you can hear firsthand how valuable this integration would be to the sector.
Nicole Mullet
shared this idea