Tell me honestly

These case studies provide Australian and British examples of performing arts companies that have made artistic self-assessment a meaningful and useful process, and how they accomplished this.

Performing arts organisations around the world have developed their own, unique processes for assessing their own artistic vibrancy, in order to continuously improve and make changes to the artistic plan.  This paper sets out seven case studies of artistic self-assessment approaches, from arts organisations across the artforms of theatre, circus, music, dance and opera, in Australia and the United Kingdom.

The paper identifies good practice principles of artistic self-assessment, and provides examples for arts organisations and their boards looking for examples of how to successfully and meaningfully assess artistic vibrancy, going well beyond mere box-ticking.

The paper is one of a suite of artistic vibrancy resources.  The other resources are:

•    Defining artistic vibrancy: a discussion paper: a look at what artistic vibrancy means, and the traits of an artistically vibrant company

•    Artistic vibrancy: self-reflection tool: a set of questions and tools to help performing arts organisations and their boards evaluate their own artistic vibrancy

•    Meaningful measurement: a review of the literature about measuring artistic vibrancy: for research enthusiasts, a comprehensive literature review of the academic research in this area

We welcome comments and feedback on the resources.  Please contact Jackie Bailey on j.bailey@australiacouncil.gov.au or Ph: 02 9215 9000 or Toll free: 1800 226 912