1. Assessing impact
November 4, 2017

5. Four Constructs of Intrinsic Impact
Art as a means of feeling
Art as a means of learning & thinking
Art as a means of social bonding & bridging
Art as a means of aesthetic development & creative stimulation
(1) Art as a Means of Feeling encapsulates the audience member’s level of engagement in the arts experience as indicated by a sense of feeling awake and alive, emotionally charged, and being absorbed in the moment and achieving a state of “flow” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
(2) Art as a Means of Social Bonding & Bridging encompasses the sense of connectedness that can result from arts experiences, both with respect to self-understanding and identity construction, as well as a sense of belonging with, or pride in, one’s community, defined by geography or people. This includes gaining an appreciation for people who are different than you.
(3) Art as a Means of Aesthetic Development & Creative Stimulation speaks to outcomes associated with exposure to new or unfamiliar art, artists, or styles of art. Over his or her lifetime, every individual has a unique arc of aesthetic development. Each time an individual is exposed to a new or unfamiliar work of art, context is gained and a progression occurs, regardless of whether the individual likes the art. This construct asserts the inherent value of aesthetic exposure.
(4) Art as a Means of Learning & Thinking relates to the acquisition and consideration of new information about an issue, idea, or culture; the acquisition and consideration of new information about the content of the art, not of the art itself. It speaks to the heighted cognitive state resulting from being provoked or challenged by an idea or message transmitted through the art.

9. A guide to data collection methodologies

10. Social Impact Outcomes Source: Christine Dwyer, WolfBrown
Increased or more diverse arts participation (behavioral outcome)
Increased civic engagement (voting, volunteering, etc.)
Sense of social connection (during the event)
Sense of belonging (cumulative); lower levels of social isolation
Heightened awareness or deepened knowledge of civic/social issues
Increased understanding of other perspectives (social bridging)
New relationships built and/or existing relationships strengthened (social bonding)
Increased interest in/capacity for engagement and dialogue
Connections made that cross institutional boundaries such as policy domains or sectors

11. Intrinsic Impact Constructs that Measure Social Impact: Social Bonding
Social Bonding Can Include:
Self-understanding and identity construction
A sense of belonging with, or pride in, one’s community, defined by geography or people
Celebrating or sustaining your own cultural heritage
Validating identity; legitimizing a culture/form of cultural expression (satisfying a desire to be taken seriously);
Benefits for Interkultur: building trust with organization; help feel comfortable in the venue; deconstruct negative perceptions of the activity
Example Questions:
Did the concert explore or celebrate your own cultural background or identity?
Did attending this concert help you see things you have in common with other people who live or work in your community?
Did attending this concert give you a sense of pride in your community or cultural group?
Other questions that address these ideas:
Scaled agreement: I gained a deeper understanding and compassion for myself and people like me
Did you feel a connection or bond with one or more of the individuals who performed?
Did you feel a sense of connection to others in the audience?
Scaled agreement: After attending this concert, I felt more connected to the neighborhood and location of the venue.
To what degree did tonight's event help you to create a stronger bond with the people you came with?

12. Intrinsic Impact Constructs that Measure Social Impact: Social Bridging
Social Bridging Can Include:
Widening your perspective on social issues and gaining a deeper understanding of human relations (capacity for empathy)
Gaining increased capacity for tolerance and empathy by being exposed to cultures outside of your life experience
Example Questions:
Did the artistic program give you a new understanding for people who are different from you, or for a culture other than your own?
To what extent did the concert lead you to think about an issue or topic in a new way? [also intellectual stimulation]
One or more of my beliefs has changed as a result of seeing this concert.
Agree Disagree Statement
I seek out programs and activities that will expose me to a broad range of cultures other than my own.
I gained a deeper understanding and compassion for people who are different than I am.
Other questions that address these ideas:
Scaled agreement: I learned something new about other cultures, different than my own.
Questions that address taking action based on expanded perspective/intellectual stimulation elements that can overlap with social bridging:
To what extent did the concert motivate you to take some action, or make a change?

13. Thank You
Audiences Norway 2017