Can anything be measured?
Evaluation is fundamentally about measurement. But can anything be measured? Even intangibles? Many of my evaluation projects involve measuring intangibles. For example, measuring the value of the arts in regional towns, the impact of a funding program, or the value of a proposed cultural initiative. The extent to which these things can be measured is […]
Read moreThe power of the pre-test / post-test
This week I visited my old school, Fort Street High in Petersham, Sydney. I wasn’t there for nostalgic reasons. Rather, I had the good fortune of sitting in on a documentary screening for Years 9 and 10 science students. Three hundred or so students filed into the hall to be shown the recently-released BBC documentary, […]
Read moreCollaborating with regional communities
It’s well understood now that arts and culture make regional Australia a better place. Communities thrive when people come together to share stories, reflect on a common history, and build social inclusion through arts and cultural activity. Last year NSF Consulting was commissioned by Regional Arts Australia to research and prepare a guidelines document to […]
Read moreThe importance of logic
The Logic Model: A supermodel applying logic to ponder something important? No, we are talking matters less hedonistic, although crucially important in the evaluation process. A Logic Model is an important tool to help set up a robust and meaningful evaluation. The process of developing a Program Logic Model is an important first step carried […]
Read moreRockhampton – Australia’s beef capital is cooking with creativity
Rockhampton is at a cultural crossroads. And that’s no bull. The large Central Queensland town that has been best known as the beef capital of Australia is in its final six months of a three-year pilot program, Creative Capricorn. Funded by Federal, State and Local government, Creative Capricorn is designed to use arts and culture […]
Read moreOnline research and evaluation tools – 2 limitations
The internet is becoming a widely used tool for conducting research because it allows people to access a significant amount of information affordably, and without geographical boundaries and time limits. Arts organisations are eager to collect audience data, but it is often the expense and expertise required that prevents them from doing so. Online research […]
Read moreReferenda, elections and surveys
The recent Australian federal election was not a referendum on the carbon tax. It was not a referendum on anything. The reason is simple. A referendum is a vote of the people on one measure in response to one very specific question about the Australian Constitution. The question is posed as a statement that requires […]
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