Leveraging Data to Advance Arts and Culture
- Posted Jan 01, 0001
Our History
SMU DataArts is the result of a 2018 merger between DataArts and the National Center for Arts Research (NCAR). DataArts, formerly the Cultural Data Project, was founded as a project within the Pew Charitable Trusts in 2004 to address a longstanding need for reliable information on the cultural sector and became an independent 501c3 in 2013. The Meadows School of the Arts and the Cox School of Business launched the National Center for Arts Research (NCAR) in 2012 to act as a catalyst for the transformation and sustainability of the national arts and cultural community through research. SMU DataArts is currently a research center housed within the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU.
See What Makes Us Tick
Our Strategy
SMU DataArts is pursuing a three-year strategy (FY 2026–2028) to build on our role as a trusted research partner for the sector, equipping the agencies, funders, and organizations shaping arts and culture with strategic insights.
Advisory Board & Staff
Building a national information resource for the cultural sector takes teamwork. Our advisory board and staff includes artists, enthusiasts, and devoted patrons of the organizations that we serve. We’re also just a little bit obsessed with data and how it can fuel the arts.
Staff Demographics and Inclusion
Utilizing our own powerful tool, we periodically survey our staff, board, volunteers, and independent contractors to help drive strategic discussion and decision-making toward advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.