SMU DataArts

Why does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (#DEI) matter in the workplace? And how can organizations measure and support a culture of belonging? The U.S. workforce is undergoing tremendous turnover. Baby Boomers are retiring and Millennial and Gen Z employees now make up nearly half of the full-time workforce in the U.S. Research indicates that these younger generations prioritize ethical employers who care about their wellbeing, and they want to work in diverse and inclusive workplaces. Organizations that fail to attract and inspire a diverse workforce or that struggle to align their values with emerging employee priorities will be at a distinct hiring and talent disadvantage. By understanding and implementing key DEI principles, organizations can create environments where employees feel valued and included. This starts with defining and recognizing the core components of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. A meaningful first step to evaluating DEI progress is to understand how an organization’s workforce compares demographically to the community in which it operates. However, gathering this data involves navigating sensitive topics such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status, which necessitates careful handling to protect an individual’s privacy and maintain trust. Since 2018, organizations and government agencies nationwide have relied on SMU DataArts to evaluate diversity and inclusion within their workforce. Our secure and comprehensive 7-minute survey collects key demographic and perception information—including race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status—to provide valuable insights while ensuring the confidentiality of each team member. Is your organization looking to foster a more inclusive workplace? Visit our website to learn more about the Workforce Demographics Study and connect with our research team. Let’s work together. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gEYbFsm5 #workplacediversity #psychologicalsafety #diversityequityinclusion #nonprofitleadership

In this interview, Wenhua shares insights from her career, her approach to leadership, and her vision for how data can help arts organizations thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape. #SMU

Across the state of Massachusetts, arts and cultural organizations weathered the crises of recent years by scaling back their operations and attracting additional support. A new study prepared with support from Mass Cultural Council examines financial and operating trends of a cohort of Massachusetts arts and cultural organizations before, during, and after the early stages of emergence from the pandemic (2019-2022). #artsresearch #Massachusetts

Massachusetts consistently outperforms national averages on measures of arts vibrancy, according to our recent analysis conducted in partnership with Barr Foundation. The report provides an in-depth look at how arts and cultural organizations, government support, and socio-economic factors have contributed to a thriving arts landscape in every region across the state from 2019 through 2022. #artsvibrancy #artsresearch #Massachusetts

SMU DataArts is excited to welcome Wenhua Di as our new Research Director! With a strong background in economics, advanced methodological design, and quantitative analysis, Wenhua brings invaluable expertise to our team. Join us in welcoming her!

For many arts organizations, it’s becoming clear that relying on pre-pandemic models of individual giving and earned revenue is no longer sustainable. Navigating these new challenges with a commitment to innovation and community relevance will be crucial moving forward. Candid shares a short, yet important analysis from our team in a recent blog post 🔗 #artsresearch

Our friends and partners at Museums Moving Forward invite art museums and their employees to participate in the second round of a comprehensive survey on workplace equity and organizational culture. Building on insights from its initial pilot study and report in 2022-23, the 2024-25 study aims to expand and deepen our understanding of the field. Your participation is critical to capturing an accurate, inclusive, and current picture of the realities of art museum workers nationwide. Participation is free. Registration deadline is October 4, 2024 for the Fall 2024 study. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gnceXFX9 #museumsmovingforward #artsresearch #artmuseums #DEAI #researchstudy

A special thank you to our guest speakers, Sunil Iyengar and Dr. Candace Miller as well as all who were able to join us live for a fantastic conversation earlier this week! The webinar recording and a list of recommended reads is now available on our website if you would like to revisit or share with colleagues and friends. https://lnkd.in/gHVmEJBb

As Dr. Zannie Voss, the visionary Director of SMU DataArts, plans for her retirement beginning in September, we invite you to join us for a special webinar celebrating her remarkable contributions to the field of arts research over the past two decades.  Zannie and her successor, current research director Dr. Jen Benoit-Bryan, will discuss the last 20 years of major trends in the nonprofit arts sector and their outlook on the future. Our leading researchers will be joined by panelists Sunil Iyengar, Director of Research and Analysis at the National Endowment for the Arts, and Dr. Candace Miller, Research Officer at the Wallace Foundation. Register today for this unique opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on the past and future of arts research with leading experts in the field. #webinar #artsresearch #smudataarts

Join us this Thursday for a live webinar where we’ll demystify analytic reports on the Cultural Data Profile! Learn how to generate powerful insights, enhance your decision-making, and see how your data plays a crucial role in shaping nationwide research in the nonprofit arts. Don’t miss out—register today!