Program Outcomes
Measuring Growth Through Creative Learning
Our data collection process
How we measure impact
We collect data through a structured pre- and post-survey process completed by all program participants. These surveys help us establish baseline information and measure changes over time. As part of this evaluation, we collect demographic information to better understand both our audience and those who participate in and deliver our programs.
In addition, the surveys assess experiences across our eight core focus areas, providing insight into the impact of our work across all programs. Participants are also given the opportunity to share open-ended feedback about their experience, which helps us continuously improve our programs and better serve our community.
Our core outcomes
Developed with Reinders Research
In partnership with Reinders Research, we developed a comprehensive, organization-wide evaluation system to understand how we measure program success. Over an eighteen-month period, we examined all aspects of Arts @ Large's work—collecting both qualitative feedback and robust quantitative data from youth, teachers, and artist educators. This process streamlined our tools, strengthened data collection, and clarified the outcomes that matter most to the community we serve.
Eight core outcome areas
Our eight core areas that define the outcomes of Arts @ Large programming:
Creative Thinking & Expression
Participants demonstrate the ability to explore ideas, see opportunities, and approach challenges from new perspectives. This includes self-discovery, positive risk-taking, healthy emotional expression, and the use of creative practices for reflection and self-soothing.
Technical Art Skills
Participants grow their artistic abilities through experimentation, practice, and refinement of techniques, mediums, and forms. They apply problem-solving skills within the creative process and demonstrate increasing technical proficiency.
Confidence
Participants demonstrate growing confidence in their abilities by trying new things, taking creative risks, and sharing their work with peers and the broader community.
Perseverance & Motivation
Participants build resilience by staying engaged in the creative process from start to finish. They demonstrate focus, self-management, and an ability to work through challenges and emotional complexity within their artistic practice.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Participants learn to co-create through cooperative planning, shared problem-solving, and meaningful collaboration. They participate in constructive critique—both giving and receiving feedback respectfully.
Art Career Exposure & Readiness
Participants develop an understanding of artistic and creative career pathways, engage in ongoing career exploration, and practice applying creative skills to other classes, work opportunities, and internships.
Creative Community Building
Participants gain access to and participate in a supportive artistic community. They engage in networking, contribute to shared creative spaces, and connect their work to the broader community. They also learn how their art can influence, uplift, and impact the people and places around them.
Leadership
Participants take initiative in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. They practice leading projects or portions of the curriculum, offer guidance to peers, and build confidence in public speaking and facilitating critique.
What we learned
Our results
Our findings show measurable growth across all programs — from short-term residencies to long-term experiences and professional opportunities for artist educators.
63%
demonstrated significant gains
63% of youth demonstrated statistically significant gains in personal, social, emotional, and creative skills. The largest improvements were in confidence (+57%), self-management (+53%), and teamwork (+47%).
78%
would engage again
78% of participants reported they would engage again, citing increased motivation, skill development, and support for their artistic identities.
+3 pts
academic & creative gain
Academic and creative growth was notable, with an average gain of +3 points (p ≥ .001) between evaluation periods.
Growth over time
Deeper gains in sustained programming
Deeper gains appeared in sustained programming, such as school residencies and the Career Development internship program:
14%
increase in collaboration and teamwork.
16%
increase in confidence, particularly in displaying and discussing creative work.
These results highlight the cumulative benefits of laddered programming, which builds skills progressively across age groups and grade levels.
Artist Educator development
Our artists grow too
Our framework also measures professional growth for the artist educators who lead and co-create with us. The findings show:
Significant gains across nearly every program.
Increases in confidence, leadership, and collaborative practice.
Strengthened community connections, networking, and professional readiness.
This confirms that Arts @ Large not only supports the development of young people but also strengthens the creative workforce that serves our community. Most importantly, the evaluations confirmed what we have long believed:
Every Arts @ Large program delivers a positive impact.
Why is it important?
With a unified and reliable evaluation system now in place, Arts @ Large is equipped to:
Consistently measure impact across all programs.
Track both student and artist educator growth.
Strengthen program design through data-informed insights.
Demonstrate the long-term value of arts education with clarity and confidence.
By building a unified evaluation process, we've opened a new chapter—one where our impact becomes clearer, our growth becomes intentional, and the transformative power of the arts can flourish across our community.