Interested in learning more about impact as it relates to arts administrators and arts organizations? The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce its free workshop offering in partnership with Spark Impact, an organization that works to build flexible, scalable, and replicable systems for both groups and individuals. 

This workshop will be taught by David Lavin, Director of Spark Impact, and will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT. It will focus on “Impact Models for arts Administrators/Arts Organizations” and participants will come away with practical tools and tips to aid them in their practice as administrators.

The workshops will be recorded and shared with all previously-registered participants after each session. The recording will be available for viewing up to one month after the scheduled date, but not available for download.

Workshop Description:

Want to learn how to decide on the right type of evaluation for you? We’ll help you identify which of the various approaches to impact evaluation or assessment will work best for you based on your organization’s size, focus, stage of development, and type of need.  

We’ll share common pitfalls to avoid and discuss the pros and cons of internal vs. external evaluations. You’ll come away with practical suggestions to develop internal buy-in for evaluation, ideas for how to use evaluations to support your fundraising and capital campaigns, and tips about what to look for in an evaluator. David will share examples from his own work, and invite participants to share their own experiences so we can learn from one another. 

Audience: This workshop is geared toward arts and culture administrators and organizations who are interested in learning more about impact evaluation or are starting to think about conducting impact evaluation in their organization. During this workshop, we will answer the following questions: 

• What are the various ways in which effective evaluation can benefit you? People and organizations consider impact evaluation for a variety of reasons, from a desire to learn about their pilot program’s potential, to a need for evidence in service of a major capital campaign’s efforts. For different needs–and stages of development–there are different approaches to evaluation that are best suited. Learn how to assess your needs so you can understand the best type of evaluation for you.

• What is the best tool for your organization’s stage of development? While some long-established organizations may want to invest in years-long evaluation processes with thousands of participants, for a pilot project or young organization this type of project would be neither helpful, practical nor cost-effective. Learn how different evaluation approaches evaluation serve different purposes, and to match them with organizations at different stages of development.

• How to decide if you should conduct your evaluation internally or with the help of an external evaluator? Both methods have their pros and cons. Deciding this will depend on your organization’s capacity as well as on the type of evaluation needed. You will learn how to determine what is best for your organization, and what you need to keep in mind when conducting internal or external evaluations. 

Presenter: David Lavin, Director of Spark Impact

Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST*

Location: Zoom Webinar Platform

Program Fee: Free

Speaker Bio:

David Lavin, Founder and Director of Spark Impact 

For over 15 years, David has worked across sectors to develop social impact strategies, implement meaningful programs and create impact measurement systems for organizations in the U.S. and Latin America. He is particularly focused on economic inclusion and advancement, race and gender justice, education and the arts, and creating community around meaning and purpose. 

David has taught Social Impact Strategy, Measurement, and Evaluation at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). He holds a Master of International Affairs degree in Economic and Political Development from SIPA, received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and studied composition and music education at Berklee College of Music. 

Also a musician, for many years David lived in Seattle, where he designed music education curriculum for youth, taught lessons, created teacher training and evaluation systems for arts organizations, founded a recording studio, and fronted a rock band.

Image: David Lavin, Founder and Director of Spark Impact Photo credit: Jody Christopherson