Patternmakers Patternmakers

The Power of Youth Arts

Patternmakers collaborated with ATYP to produce a new research resource that tells us about the benefits of performing arts participation for children and young people.

In 2022, the Patternmakers team collaborated with the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) to discover what the research tells us about the benefits of performing arts participation for children and young people.

We’ve created a research guide that aims to consolidate the wealth of existing research on the benefits of performing arts participation for children and young people, making this evidence-based resource accessible and able to be shared in numerous ways within the sector.

Click the button below for the full report, summary, and the 5 key messages we’ve identified about young people and arts, supported by the literature.

Image Credit: Brett Boardman, courtesy of ATYP.

 
 
Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Audience Research for Theatre Royal Hobart

In 2022, Patternmakers worked with Theatre Royal Hobart on an audience research project.

In 2022, Patternmakers worked with Theatre Royal Hobart on an audience research project.

The project aimed to build an audience profile of Theatre Royal attendees, increase attendances and reach more people, strengthen awareness and inform strategies.

The research involved desktop research of existing audience data, a series of stakeholder interviews, focus groups and an online survey. The results helped to develop a series of audience segments for Theatre Royal to continue and look to engaging in future, identify key opportunities and lay the foundations for an Audience Development Plan.

Image Credit: www.theatreroyal.com.au/our-venues

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Partnering with Arts Northern Rivers on flood recovery in the creative industries

The Patternmakers team worked with Arts Northern Rivers on a project to assist with creative industries flood recovery.

In 2022, the Patternmakers team worked with Arts Northern Rivers on a project to assist with creative industries flood recovery.

The Northern Rivers Creative Industries Recovery Forum was held on 28 and 29 July 2022, five months after severe storms and flooding hit communities across Northern NSW and Southern QLD.

Over 200 artists and arts workers gathered in Lismore, NSW, to connect and discuss the question: ‘What’s next in terms of creative industries recovery?’.

Click below for the full report, the 5 top areas of need, and 6 recommendations for intervention, to ensure the creative industries flourish again after the disaster.

Image Credit: Kate Holmes, courtesy of Arts Northern Rivers.

 
 
Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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.

 

Read the full report:

 

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.

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Audience Research for the Museum of Australian Democracy

In 2021/22, we worked with the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD) in Canberra, on a visitor research project.

In 2021/22, we worked with the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD) in Canberra, on a visitor research project.

The research involved interviews, focus groups, workshops, and surveying of visitors and potential visitors, both locally in the ACT and interstate. The research provided a detailed visitor profile, set of personas and insights for improving engagement both on-site and online.

Image Credit: https://www.moadoph.gov.au/visiting/

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Audience Research for the National Library of Australia (NLA)

In 2021-22 we worked with the National Library of Australia on a follow-on project to a major program of audience research conducted in 2020-21.

In 2021-22 we worked with the Library on a follow-on project to a major program of research conducted in 2020-21.

The project aimed to track key indicators and explore the extent to which it had made progress on the recommendations related to current audiences and diverse segments including on-site visitors (intercepted) and diverse segments including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australians and people living with a disability.

A nationally representative survey was undertaken, along with a series of focus groups and an on-site survey of visitors to the NLA's temporary exhibition, ‘On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts’.

Key insights and recommendations were identified in four areas, with the project culminating in a cross-Departmental workshop and report.

Image Credit: Prudence Upton

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Audience Research for Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA)

In the months following the 2022 floods, we worked with NORPA on a phase of audience research to build a profile of its audiences, understand how they are changing over time and identify insights for its work in the next chapter.

In the months following the 2022 floods, we worked with NORPA on a phase of audience research.

The objectives were to build a profile of its audiences, understand how they are changing over time and identify insights for its work in the next chapter.

The project involved focus group discussions, an online survey and desktop analysis of available audience data. The results helped to define the unique characteristics of NORPA's audiences, and the impact NORPA has for individuals and the Northern Rivers community.

Image Credit: Kate Holmes

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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/

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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.

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Growing arts audiences in the Sunshine Coast region

Patternmakers collaborate Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation (SCAF) to grow arts and culture audiences in the local region through an audience and market research project.

We worked with the Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation (SCAF) to undertake audience and market research.

The research heard from over 600 participants both living on or visiting the Sunshine Coast, to identify insights and opportunities for arts and culture events in 2020 and beyond. This involved designing and administering an online survey of audiences, conducting interviews with community and industry stakeholders, and focus groups with locals and visitors of different backgrounds.

Our final report highlighted key insights and outlined priority opportunities for market and audience development for the Sunshine Coast region.

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Creating resources for sector-wide advocacy with the NYAC program

Patternmakers has partnered with ATYP and other Youth Performing Arts organisations to produce a set of advocacy assets for the National Youth Arts Connections (NYAC) program.

Patternmakers has partnered with ATYP and other Youth Performing Arts organisations to produce a set of advocacy assets for the National Youth Arts Connections (NYAC) program.

The NYAC program is designed to strengthen relationships between Youth Performing Arts organisations and communicate the importance of Youth Arts to funders and other stakeholders. Patternmakers‘ role is to review existing research about the impacts of Youth Arts and generate some key messages that can be shared by Youth Performing Arts organisations to advocate for the sector.

We’re looking forward to presenting our findings at the NYAC summit in July 2022.

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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.

Read More
Audience research Patternmakers Audience research Patternmakers

Growing audiences at Sydney Observatory

We conducted visitor research for the Sydney Observatory with 2,000 Sydneysiders and tourists to understand motivations and barriers to attendance.

We conducted visitor research for the Sydney Observatory, including focus groups, mini group sessions and a survey of over 2000 Sydneysiders and tourists to understand motivations and barriers to attendance.

The insight derived from this research shaped the development of future Observatory events, programs and experiences. It informed decisions about branding, marketing, exhibitions, and programs for the future of MAAS.

Read More
Evaluation Patternmakers Evaluation Patternmakers

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.

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

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/

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Audience Outlook Monitor — 2021

Patternmakers leads a major tracking study of audiences in partnership with US research agency WolfBrown.

Patternmakers led a major tracking study of audiences in partnership with US research agency WolfBrown.

Initiatied in the first weeks of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the study has evolved over time to explore topics like ticket-buying timelines, audience appetites for different content, and behavioural trends related to the cost-of-living crisis.

Patternmakers has partnered with Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW, Creative Victoria, Arts Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet (Arts SA), DLGSC WA and Arts ACT to deliver this project between 2020 and 2023.

Our 2020-2023 program of work helped artists and cultural organisations connect with audiences, tracking the way people engaged with arts, culture and creativity in the pandemic and post-pandemic landscape. Artists and cultural organisations needed to continually innovate the events they programmed, their marketing and their policies.

The work is regularly cited in the media and in major policy papers such as Revive, the Australia Government's National Cultural Policy. It is providing artists and cultural organisations with a resource to guide decision-making and forward planning, to help revitalise our communities.

Explore the Audience Outlook Monitor research launched in 2021:

Click below to view all of our past Audience Outlook Monitor publications:

Image Credit: Nicholas Smith, courtesy of Campbelltown Arts Centre.

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Brand Research for a Major Performing Arts Organisation

In 2021, we conducted concept testing for a rebrand and repositioning of a major performing arts organisation.

In 2021, we conducted concept testing for a rebrand and repositioning of a major performing arts organisation.

The project is culminating in a series of recommendations about how the organisations speaks to different parts of its audience.

This has included working alongside digital and brand designers to test key concepts with current and future audiences.

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More
Patternmakers Patternmakers

Impact Evaluation of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

In 2019 and 2020, we worked with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to evaluate the impact of choral participation. This is the largest study of its kind ever conducted in Australia, with over 2,800 participants.

In 2019 and 2020, we worked with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to evaluate the impact of choral participation. This is the largest study of its kind ever conducted in Australia, with over 2,800 participants.

This work involved a series of depth interviews with stakeholders, focus groups current and past choristers, and singers in the broader community. A second objective of the study involved surveying other choristers in NSW and ACT about the impacts of choral singing.

The study highlighted chorister experiences and domains of impact and identified opportunities for future development as the organisation celebrated its centenary year.

Image Credit: https://www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/

 
 

Explore projects:

Read More