Social Impact Evaluation in the Arts

Action Labs focus on a specific topic identified as important to artists, community, and Arts Ottawa members. They may take the form of research groups, planning teams, advocacy hubs, or spaces for idea-sharing and collaboration. Labs are formed in response to clear needs and conclude once their objectives are achieved, such as completing a project or sharing insights with the community.

Arts Ottawa has launched the Social Impact Evaluation Action Lab, including an open call for applicants of all career stages to engage in reciprocal learning around social impact evaluation, community engagement, and storytelling practices across disciplines.

Additional benefits include: - $500 stipend for costs associated with learning activities and project delivery.

- Access to ongoing workshops and resources, including an online learning forum.

- Engagement with a diverse cohort of peers for learning and networking.

Every arts leader approaches impact differently, some thrive on data, some lead with heart, and others think in centuries, not quarters.

This quiz is designed to help you discover your Arts Impact Persona, based on the five mindsets identified in the Arts Impact Calculator developed by Arts Ottawa. Whether you're a Creator, Collaborator, Optimizer, Advocate, or Philosopher, each persona reflects a unique way of thinking about impact, decision-making, and storytelling in your work.

Let's begin by identifying your ARTS IMPACT PERSONA.

What is your full name?

Are you representing an organization? If so, which?

When thinking about the impact of your work, you feel:

It’s deeply personal and evolves over time, it can’t be captured by basic metrics.

It’s about improving systems and outcomes, data helps me do that better.

It’s reflected in the lives of individual artists or audiences I work with.

It belongs to the community, they define what matters, not just me.

It’s amplified when I work with others, I measure impact across relationships.

You’re handed a blank wall and a budget. What’s your first move?

Sketch out a concept, then see who else wants to contribute or co-create it.

Start painting what you feel, let it emerge organically.

Ask the community what story they want to see told.

Research murals across history to reflect on what’s most meaningful.

Check past data to find out what kinds of murals got the most attention or engagement.

How do you currently approach data collection and evaluation?

I try to automate or integrate data into my workflow, I want it to be efficient and insightful.

I gather feedback informally or through stories, it’s more meaningful that way.

I work with partners to define and measure our shared success.

I struggle to collect data that truly reflects the cultural value of my work.

I wrestle with metrics, they rarely reflect the true depth or philosophy behind what I do.

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to measuring impact?

Finding the time and tools to use my data effectively.

Translating complex, long-term change into simple indicators.

Making sure the community’s voice is centred, not just institutional goals.

Having to prioritize impact measurement over the creative process.

Aligning goals and metrics across organizations and partners.

Which of these statements best matches your mindset?

Metrics are useful, I want to know what’s working and optimize accordingly.

Art and creativity come first, planning and metrics can wait.

Community is the priority, their needs shape how I define success.

I’m interested in building coalitions and shared language for impact.

Impact unfolds slowly, I think in historical or philosophical terms.

You’ve been asked to write a grant report. What do you do first?

Look at my metrics and build a compelling narrative with hard data.

Think about how the project felt, what stories were shared, and how I can describe the energy.

Call up collaborators and community members to get their input.

Reflect on how this work addresses deeper social questions.

Revisit community feedback and try to uplift marginalized voices.

Someone asks “What does success look like to you?” You say…

When the community feels seen and heard.

When I can make something that truly expresses my vision.

When we reach milestones together.

When I can point to the bigger picture and say: that mattered.

When I can measure it, track it, and improve on it.