From the Field

The Pandemic and Nonprofit Dance Organizations

In a recent Dance/USA webinar, Impact of the Pandemic on the Financial Structures of Nonprofit Dance Organizations, SMU DataArts shared the financial trends of 129 dance organizations between 2019 and 2022. The organizations, which completed a cultural data profile, ranged in budget sizes from less than $10,000 to greater than $30 million. Twenty-nine percent identified as part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or people of color) community or tradition. Between 2019 and 2022, the organizations collectively experienced reduced buying power on both the revenue and expenses sides. Ticket prices and attendance were down. However, increased private and government support mitigated the loss.

Voice of Attractions Visitors 2024

PGAV Destinations has released the 2024 findings of its annual attractions industry study, Voice of the Visitor (VOV). VOV 2024 seeks to identify trends that will shape the future success of attractions. The report highlights the industry’s resilience in adapting to market changes, with 95% of respondents planning to visit attractions in 2024 and expressing interest in a wide range of experiences. The study delves into visitor motivations, valued aspects and how experiences influence satisfaction levels. Additionally, VOV 2024 introduces new questions related to neurodivergent visitors, those with disabilities, people of color and individuals identifying as LGBTQ+, providing insights into valuable human factors for the attractions industry.

Culture for Health

The Global Cultural Districts Network has released Culture for Health: Implications and Opportunities for Cultural Districts. This new report draws upon the work of the College of London’s Social Biobehavioural Research Group to examine the connections between cultural districts, arts, health and well-being. Additional focus group discussions and case studies imbue the research with policy considerations, including starting points for cultural district leaders, researchers and decision makers. National Endowment for the Arts Research & Analysis Director Sunil Iyengar features this research on a recent Quick Study podcast.