Americans for the Arts hosts a full calendar of webinars on a variety of topics, including the intersection of creative work, social justice and civic engagement. We realize that presentations and dialogue are a critical way gain context on these issues. In an effort to connect you with those conversations, we at Animating Democracy, are providing them here. Our archived webinars are a great way to catch up on what you might have missed in the field. We encourage you to check back here or our E-News for our upcoming webinars, so that you can engage with our next virtual presentation and discussion.
As an entity with Americans for the Arts we are pleased to be able to provide high-quality, online professional development at no cost to our professional members and for a fee of $35.00* for nonmembers.
Upcoming Webinars in 2013
EVALUATION IN ACTION!
EVALUATION IN ACTION! hones in on common evaluation challenges such as: numbers and stories—getting to meaningful numbers (what you can and should quantify) and collecting and analyzing qualitative data that’s credible; attributing your work to change through techniques that correlate arts endeavors to social outcomes; and mapping cumulative, long-term, and invisible effects.
The webinar series, co-presented by Christine Dwyer of RMC Research and guest practitioners, includes four sessions (90 minutes) each focusing on a skill area, an illuminating arts for change story of evaluative practice, and linking to outcomes from Animating Democracy’s Continuum of Impact.
Mark your calendar! Webinars will be held 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. EST on March 28, April 25, May 23, and June 27. Stay tuned for details!
Meaningful Numbers! – Sometimes numbers convey meaning even better than words. Learn what you can and should quantify!
Credible Qualitative Design & Analysis – Stories and qualitative information are critical to giving a full sense of impact of arts for change work, but they are often considered “soft” evidence. Learn how to collect and analyze qualitative data that’s credible.
Attributing Your Work to Change – Most arts for change practitioners will never conduct scientific-level evaluation, yet they want to understand links between outcomes and arts for change efforts. Learn techniques to establish connections between arts endeavors and social outcomes.
Mapping Cumulative, Long-term, & Invisible Effects – The effects of arts for change work often occur after project timeframes or grant periods end and are catalytic to other effects such as new connections and deepened relationships. Learn ways to map and assess cumulative and long-term outcomes.
Archived Webinars
Public Art Evaluation: Principles & Methodology for Measuring Social Impact
August 16, 2012 (60 minutes)
In this webinar, we discuss the challenges facing public art administrators when demonstrating the impact of the arts.
Beyond Good Intentions: Public Art Practices for Achieving Civic Engagement & Social Change
July 19, 2012 (60 minutes)
A follow up to the social engagement session of the 2012 Americans for the Arts convention’s Public Art Pre-Conference—how to engage communities and how public art programs can support artists who do socially engaged work.
Reclaiming the F-Word: Folk Arts, Shifting Populations & Civic Engagement
June 14, 2012 (60 minutes)
In this webinar, we will explore the importance of folk and traditional arts, highlighting how they connect individuals to their communities, foster dialogue between groups, and build cultural and civic capacity.
Trend or Tipping Point: A New Report on Arts & Social Change Grant making
May 10, 2011 (60 minutes)
Learn about Animating Democracy’s 2010 report: Trend or Tipping Point: Arts & Social Change Grantmaking that assembles a first-time portrait of arts funders, social change funders, and others supporting civic engagement and social change through arts and cultural strategies.
Arts & Civic Engagement: Policies and Actions for Strengthening the 21st Century Community
March 11, 2009 (90 minutes)
The 2008 National Arts Policy Roundtable, an annual forum of Americans for the Arts and the Sundance Preserve, examined important and timely opportunities for the arts to promote civic engagement toward building healthy communities and a healthy democracy.