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Evaluation of the Melbourne Fringe Radical Access Program

Patternmakers is working with Melbourne Fringe to evaluate their Radical Access Program (2022-2024).

After working with Melbourne Fringe in 2018-2020 on an evaluation of their Access and Inclusion Program, Patternmakers has been engaged again to assist in evaluation of the new three-year Radical Access program (2022-2024).

Led in partnership with Arts Access Victoria, Radical Access is the first phase of a ten-year plan that reflects the organisations' joint aim to radically shift the understanding and implementation of accessibility in the arts.

The evaluation involves tracking key measures over three years, annual reflection workshops and a fuller evaluation after 3 years including analysis of all available data and a series of interviews.

Check out current Radical Access Events here.

Image Credit: melbournefringe.com.au/news/bold-moves-towards-radical-access/

 
 

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Evaluating the Impact of NGA Exhibition Touring

Patternmakers is working with the National Gallery of Australia to evaluate the impact of exhibition touring across the country.

In 2023 and 2024, Patternmakers is working with the National Gallery of Australia and regional galleries around the country to evaluate the impact of NGA tours.

Each year, the National Gallery of Australia creates and tours a range of exhibitions, from contemporary and historical works by Australian and international artists. The tours range from large-scale exhibitions with complex needs for climate controlled spaces, to virtual reality experiences and Art Cases able to travel to schools, libraries and aged care homes to inspire creativity, inclusivity, and learning.

Patternmakers will be collaborating with the NGA team and regional galleries to gather data and understand how audiences and communities engage and interact with tours, what they take away, and how all involved can work together to continue growing the impact of Australia’s largest collection in regional places.

 

Take the survey

Have you engaged with a National Gallery of Australia touring exhibition? Whether that be the Terminus VR experience, the Know My Name: Australian Women Artists exhibition or Patricia Piccinini's Skywhales, we want to hear from you. 

In June 2024, The National Gallery of Australia, in partnership with galleries around Australia, is launching a survey of Australian visitors to touring exhibitions. We want to know what touring exhibitions resonate with you - and how Australian communities can get even more value from access to the national collection. 

This short survey only takes 10-15 minutes, and by participating, you can enter the draw to win one of 3 x $200 Mastercard e-giftcards.

By entering the survey you are consenting to Patternmakers’ Privacy Policy.

Image credit: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhale, 2013, National Gallery of Australia.

 

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Evaluation of A is for Atlas' Social Art Practice, Dining Room Tales

In 2023, Patternmakers partnered with contemporary performance company A is for Atlas to evaluate Dining Room Tales and explore its social impact.

In 2023, Patternmakers is partnering with contemporary performance company A is for Atlas to evaluate Dining Room Tales and explore its social impact.

Starting in 2011, Dining Room Tales is a social art practice which invites audiences to share time, food and conversation with an internationally acclaimed artist and other members of the community.

Since 2021, performances have been centred in regional Victoria and preliminary data suggests Dining Room Tales' audiences are valuing the opportunity to witness something new and connect with their community.

Image Credit: Image of Whang Zeng-Ting, from the Dining Room Tales website.

 
 

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Evaluation of the Sydney Opera House's Centre for Creativity

In 2022, Sydney Opera House partnered with Patternmakers to create an Evaluation Framework for its new Centre for Creativity.

In 2022, Sydney Opera House partnered with Patternmakers to create an Evaluation Framework for its new Centre for Creativity (CFC), described as a ‘purpose-built home for hands-on creative experiences’.

The CFC aims to foster creativity, with the ultimate goals of improving wellbeing and cultivating creative citizenship. It also aligns with the SOH commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including quality education, climate action and reduced inequalities.

To track its progress towards these goals, it enlisted Patternmakers to establish an Evaluation Framework – which would ‘set the template’ for an annual evaluation of CFC activity.

Image Credit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/our-venues/centre-for-creativity

 
 

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Evaluation of the SongMakers program for APRA

In 2022 and 2023, Patternmakers is working with APRA/AMCOS to evaluate a new version of the celebrated SongMakers program.

In 2022 and 2023 we’re working with APRA/AMCOS to evaluate a new version of the celebrated SongMakers program.

SongMakers is a songwriting program for young people in secondary schools, that has kickstarted the careers of a number of emerging Australian musicians. The latest version adapts this program for a school holiday format for young people in regional NSW, with support from the NSW Government. 

This research involves surveying young people at the end of SongMakers workshops about the impacts of the program across domains including songwriting craft, participant wellbeing, and music industry knowledge. It also incorporates interviews with key stakeholders like program mentors and regional venue partners, and case studies with standout participants. 

To date we have delivered an interim report which has shown that the program is successfully cultivating technical skills, improved mood, ambition and passion for songwriting amongst participants, and identified a need for further extracurricular opportunities like SongMakers for young people in regional areas. At the end of the program, a final report will be produced based on further fieldwork, including a survey of all participants to explore their career trajectories since participating.

Image Credit: songmakers.com.au/holiday-sessions/

 
 

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A case for stronger STEM promotion

Patternmakers was commissioned to evaluate the reach and impact of Inspiring Australia Queensland and their efforts to facilitate STEM engagement.

 

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A case for stronger STEM promotion

An Impact Evaluation for Inspiring Australia Queensland (IAQ)

During the period between 2017-2021, IAQ invested $144,000 each year to support STEM engagement in the state – with $75,000 devoted to National Science Week.

Ahead of a new funding period beginning in 2022, Patternmakers was commissioned to conduct a series of stakeholder interviews, data analysis and 5 case studies to evaluate its impact and identify learnings for the future. We were thrilled to take on the task and apply our research skills within the STEM sector on such a high-profile event such as National Science Week.

Key findings:

The need for programs like IAQ appears to be increasing, as Australia faces worsening STEM outcomes in some areas.

With concerning trends surrounding STEM education, lack of job-readiness in Australia, and the underrepresentation of women and First Nations people in STEM education and employment, programs like IAQ are incredibly valuable.

18% of Queenslanders participated in National Science Week (NSWk) in 2021, up from 9%, with digital events helping to increase the event’s reach

A Kantar Public survey of 1,200 Queensland residents aged 18+ showed that National Science Week has broad awareness among Queenslanders (48% of respondents had heard of NSWk in 2021, up from 42% in 2018).

The digital availability of events appears to have made them more accessible – with around 1 in 5 people participating doing so online.

Major National Science Week events have reached up to 5,000 people in-person and 170,000 people online

Major events organised by the NSWk Coordinating Committee are having significant reach, such as the Queensland Firebirds Game which spread the IAQ message to up to 5,000 people - while a Twitter Takeover allowing STEM experts to answer questions and promote their research garnered 170,000 impressions. This tells us that NSWk is achieving its goal of making science accessible and appealing for many attendees.

Supported by Inspiring Australia QLD, 6 Regional STEM Hubs are offering opportunities for networking and regional development

Between 2017-2021, 6 Regional STEM Hubs in QLD were established with the goal of inspiring community collaboration and grassroots science engagement in key regions. Networking appears to be a real strength of the hubs, and many have formed robust cross-sector partnerships with universities, tourism partners and local businesses. Leveraging their regional networks and relationships, STEM Hubs have been able to deliver local events that appeal to community members or speak to community science needs.

Case studies demonstrate the broad range of impacts occurring through IAQ investment:

  • Tec-NQ’s Open Day used IAQ funding to show prospective students that the trades are STEM careers

  • An Indigenous Science Experience helped students at Logan schools appreciate Indigenous Australia’s long history of science innovation

  • Cobb+Co Museum’s role as ‘the centre’ of the Darling Downs STEM Hub helped the organisation grow its networks – and reach more Toowoomba residents with science

  • IAQ’s organising committee partnered with the Firebirds to reach young women and girls at a netball game and demonstrate the possibility of a STEM career

  • A ‘Future Earth’ panel at Marsden State school utilised young STEM leaders to show high school students the career possibilities related to climate solutions.

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Evaluation of the Front & Centre Leadership Program for Albany Lane and Accessible Arts NSW

In 2022, Patternmakers was invited to work alongside Albany Lane and Accessible Arts to evaluate the three-year Front and Centre leadership program for disabled women and other marginalised genders.

In 2022, Patternmakers was invited to work alongside Albany Lane and Accessible Arts to evaluate the three-year Front and Centre leadership program for disabled women and other marginalised genders.

The objective is to identify learnings to improve the program over time, and capture the impact of the program. A three- year staged methodology has been designed - including interviews, discussion groups and surveys - with a range of access options to ensure everyone can participate.

Image Credit: aarts.net.au/news/front-and-centre-2023/

 
 

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Partnering with Abbotsford Convent's PIVOT program to provide research insights

Patternmakers is working with the PIVOT program at Abbotsford Convent, a program aimed at providing independent artists with resources and space as they adapt to a ‘post-pandemic’ sector

Patternmakers joined the PIVOT program at Abbotsford Convent last year, a program aimed at providing independent artists with resources and space as they adapt to a ‘post-pandemic’ sector. Our role was to equip participating artists with research insights and evaluation opportunities they might not have had access to otherwise.

Our role has involved facilitating discussions between participants, presenting audience research from the Audience Outlook Monitor, conducting depth interviews with lead artists, producing case studies, and conducting two surveys of lead artists, collaborators and audience members.

Look out for our final report, coming soon in April.

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Proving the benefits of Gallery engagement for young people

Patternmakers worked with MCA to explore whether MCA’s GENEXT, a festival-style event for young people, had benefits for their mental health and wellbeing.

We worked with the Museum of Contemporary Art to evaluate their GENEXT Program, a festival-style event for people aged 12-18 years featuring live music, performances and art- making and interactive experiences.

We explored how GENEXT impacts individuals in real time and later in life through a series of interviews with key stakeholders, two focus groups, a series of observations, and a survey of over 1,000 past and present GENEXT attendees. We sought contributions from experts in mental health, government funding and the arts.

Our research proved that GENEXT positively impacts young people’s mental health and well-being while also helping them to cultivate their creativity and experience a sense of belonging.

The work has been used in conversations with funders and has been presented at conferences internationally, adding to the knowledge base in a growing field.

Visit out publications page to read the report.

Image credit: MCA, David Goldblatt

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Evaluating the MCA's Art Parcel for primary school children

We’re working with the MCA to evaluate the Art Parcel, an at-home art-making kit for primary school children in NSW, designed for the NSW Government’s Creative Kids vouchers.

We’re working with the MCA to evaluate the Art Parcel, an at-home art-making kit for primary school children in NSW, designed for the NSW Government’s Creative Kids vouchers.

Produced in collaboration with MCA Collection artists Raquel Ormella, the parcel was designed to get kids thinking creatively and talking about the issues that matter to them.

Patternmakers conducted a questionnaire and focus group with Art Parcel buyers, and also provided Art Parcels to five externally-recruited participants for a paired interview with themselves and their children. We’re also speaking to social workers and school principals who recieved free Art Parcels from the MCA to disseminate through their organisations.

Image: MCA Art Parcel, 2021. Photograph: Jacquie Manning.

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The Impact of Youth Theatre on Mental Health

We worked with ATYP to explore the impact of youth theatre on mental health and launch the findings at the Arts & Health Conference.

We worked with ATYP to explore the impact of youth theatre on mental health and launch the findings at the Arts & Health Conference.

This project involved a review of existing research, and new qualitative and quantitative research including depth interviews, an online discussion board and a survey of 1,200 parents, participants and stakeholders. We also provided advice on an organisation-wide research framework.

The results demonstrated the positive impacts of participating in theatre for young people, and the importance of theatre skills in building self confidence, communications skills and resilience. The findings were published in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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Impact Evaluation for Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s Schools Touring Program

From 2019 - 2021, Patternmakers worked with Terrapin to evaluate the impact of its Schools Touring Program on Tasmanian students, teachers and communities.

We worked with Terrapin to evaluate the impact of its Schools Touring Program on Tasmanian students, teachers and communities.

We explored the impact of the program in delivering puppet theatre to Tasmanian children for over 35 years. The research was conducted in three phases: a teacher survey and depth interviews in 2019, classroom observations in 2020 and further fieldwork in 2021.

The results provided insights into the impact of the program on Tasmanian culture and communities, as well as identifed the program’s successes and opportunities for improvement. The research also assisted Terrapin to partner with Blundstone on delivering an access program which reached over 4,000 additional student attendances.

For more information, read the case study linked below:

Image Credit: Scaredy Cat in a Tasmanian primary school 2021, Peter Mathew

 
 

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Evaluation of the Melbourne Fringe Access & Inclusion Program

We’ve worked with Melbourne Fringe from 2018 to 2021 on an evaluation of their Access and Inclusion Program.

We worked with Melbourne Fringe from 2018 to 2021 on an evaluation of their Access and Inclusion Program.

This has involved establishing a ‘progress tracker’ to measure incremental changes in terms of the festival’s reach and access for people who experience disability. The evaluation aims to capture insights and learnings about how to improve the accessibility of festivals for artists and audiences.

Image Credit: www.artshub.com.au/news/opinions-analysis/centring-access-and-inclusion-at-the-fringes-2518198/

 
 

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Christmas City Program Review, Vision & Business Plan for the City of Greater Geelong

In 2020, Patternmakers worked with the City of Greater Geelong to review their annual Christmas Program and produce a business case for developing the program over the next four years.

In 2020, Patternmakers worked with the City of Greater Geelong to review their annual Christmas Program and produce a business case for developing the program over the next four years.

This work involved an evaluation of Christmas activities and a condensed stakeholder consultation process to understand community needs and interests in future seasons.

The report provided a recommendation for a strengthened and reinvigorated Christmas Program that will see Geelong become Australia’s Christmas City.

 
 

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Understanding community impact with Bundanon Local

Patternmakers worked with Bundanon Trust to evaluate the impact of its community-engaged art program, Bundanon Local.

We collaborated with Bundanon Trust to undertake an impact evaluation of its community engagement program, Bundanon Local in 2019.

The research involved a co-design process with the Trust’s staff, a series of depth interviews with artists and key stakeholders, as well as a survey of Bundanon’s networks.,

The findings highlighted that the program plays a vital role in the Shoalhaven community in providing access to Arthur Boyd’s legacy and facilitating a space for young and emerging artists to connect with professional practitioners and nurture their creativity.

The project helped to identify future opportunities for the Trust to expand the reach and impact of the program for more communities.

Read about and download the report:


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Impact Evaluation for Musica Viva's In Schools program and Wyniss Ensemble

In 2019, we worked with Musica Viva to evaluate the impact of its Musica Viva In Schools (MVIS) program, and the Wyniss Ensemble specifically.

We worked with Musica Viva to evaluate the impact of its Musica Viva In Schools (MVIS) program, and the Wyniss Ensemble specifically.

This project involved a series of classroom observations, depth interviews and an online survey of teachers who have engaged with the program. We also analysed Musica Viva’s past teacher surveys and bookings data.

The findings highlighted the domains impact of the program, identified opportunities for improvement, barriers preventing access to the program as well as students’ and teachers’ experiences.

Image Credit: www.musicaviva.com.au/news-stories/2021/aug/musica-viva-in-schools-2022-has-launched/

 
 

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Digital Creative Learning Evaluation for Sydney Opera House

In 2019, we worked with the Sydney Opera House to evaluate the impact of its Digital Creative Learning Program.

We worked with the Sydney Opera House to evaluate the impact of its Digital Creative Learning Program.

In particular, we explored the impact of the Digital Creative Learning program on schools, students and teachers via a series of observations of classrooms participating in the program, depth interviews, focus groups and an online survey of past and current participants.

The findings shed light on the successes of the program, opportunities for improvement, barriers preventing access to the program as well as students’ and teachers’ experiences with the program.

Image Credit: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/our-venues/concert-hall

 
 

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Four-year Evaluation of Asian Producers Platform Camp for Performing Lines

From 2015-2018, Performing Lines commissioned Tandi Palmer Williams to help analyse and report on each year of APPCAMP, a week-long event bringing together creative producers for networking and exchange.

From 2015-2018, Performing Lines commissioned Tandi Palmer Williams to help analyse and report on each year of APPCAMP, a week-long event bringing together creative producers for networking and exchange.

The results helped Performing Lines improve the Camp each year and secure ongoing funding.

Image Credit: https://www.performinglines.org.au/contact/

 
 

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Evaluation of the GENEXT Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art

In 2018, we worked with the Museum of Contemporary Art to evaluate their GENEXT Program, a festival-style event for people aged 12-18 years featuring live music, performances and art-making and interactive experiences.

We worked with the Museum of Contemporary Art to evaluate their GENEXT Program, a festival-style event for people aged 12-18 years featuring live music, performances and art-making and interactive experiences.

We explored how GENEXT impacts individuals in real time and later in life through a series of interviews with key stakeholders, two focus groups, a series of observations, and a survey of over 1,000 past and present GENEXT attendees.

Our research showed important that GENEXT positively impacts young people’s mental health and well-being while also helping them to cultivate their creativity and experience a sense of belonging.

Read about or download the report below:

 
 

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Evaluation of the Barking Gecko Theatre Company

We worked with Barking Gecko Theatre Company in Perth to evaluate their Ensembles program.

In 2018, we worked with Barking Gecko Theatre Company in Perth to evaluate their Ensembles program.

We explored how the Barking Gecko Ensembles program impacts the social and emotional wellbeing of young people through depth interviews and an online survey of over 200 people.

The results showed that the Barking Gecko Ensembles program positively impacts the wellbeing of young people, with 9 in 10 agreeing that the program supports good mental health. We also found that confidence, working in a team, expressing creativity and being able to connect with others are significant outcomes for young people involved in the program.

Image Credit: https://www.artshub.com.au/news/features/born-from-chaos-barking-gecko-theatre-is-30-years-strong-259152-2365193/

 
 

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