This session will explore the growing significance of impact measurement in the cultural sector. Focusing on both the rationale and practicalities of impact evaluation, the session will delve into why and how cultural organizations and districts assess their impact – from social and economic effects to cultural and environmental outcomes. Central themes include identifying what is important to measure, navigating diverse evaluation methodologies, and addressing challenges in monitoring and communicating impact.
Bronwyn Mauldin (Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture), Michael O’Leary (Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation), and Victoria Perera Rojas (The Music Center, Los Angeles) will share perspectives shaped by their distinct institutional and geographic contexts. The session will seek to identify both differences and commonalities in "glocal" approaches to impact evaluation, underscoring the importance of local context in shaping priorities and strategies. Los Angeles and Melbourne offer compelling case studies: Los Angeles, with its emphasis on community-centered and equity-focused evaluation, and Melbourne, where large-scale cultural infrastructure developments are reshaping how impact is defined and measured. The session will include broader audience discussion, encouraging participants to reflect on the future of cultural impact evaluation and the opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
