In the “Evaluation: Frameworks for Considering Program Impact and Fostering Program Learning” by Jessica Sperling, PhD (Duke University), GLI Fellows explore the field of evaluation to understand its role in arts leadership.
Supported by social sciences, evaluation is a form of research study. Evaluation is the systematic inquiry that addresses an initiative’s purpose rather than its methods. It aims to enhance knowledge, decision-making and offer actionable, practical implementations.
In evaluation, the question of “how we can do better” goes beyond the scope of activities: it can help increase chances of success before plans are set in motion. Evaluation supports implementing operations in development (how initiatives are implemented) and informs purpose (how an activity achieves or hinders its maximum impact potential). For these reasons, evaluation is formative (insightful) and summative (reveals efficacy).
Why is evaluation important for arts leaders? Evaluation can contribute to the improvement of internal processes as well as the improvement of relationships with funders. In short, evaluation demonstrates impact. ▣
