SMU DataArts

Why does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (#DEI) matter in the workplace? And how can organizations measure and support a culture of belonging? The U.S. workforce is undergoing tremendous turnover. Baby Boomers are retiring and Millennial and Gen Z employees now make up nearly half of the full-time workforce in the U.S. Research indicates that these younger generations prioritize ethical employers who care about their wellbeing, and they want to work in diverse and inclusive workplaces. Organizations that fail to attract and inspire a diverse workforce or that struggle to align their values with emerging employee priorities will be at a distinct hiring and talent disadvantage. By understanding and implementing key DEI principles, organizations can create environments where employees feel valued and included. This starts with defining and recognizing the core components of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. A meaningful first step to evaluating DEI progress is to understand how an organization’s workforce compares demographically to the community in which it operates. However, gathering this data involves navigating sensitive topics such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status, which necessitates careful handling to protect an individual’s privacy and maintain trust. Since 2018, organizations and government agencies nationwide have relied on SMU DataArts to evaluate diversity and inclusion within their workforce. Our secure and comprehensive 7-minute survey collects key demographic and perception information—including race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status—to provide valuable insights while ensuring the confidentiality of each team member. Is your organization looking to foster a more inclusive workplace? Visit our website to learn more about the Workforce Demographics Study and connect with our research team. Let’s work together. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gEYbFsm5 #workplacediversity #psychologicalsafety #diversityequityinclusion #nonprofitleadership

Since 2020, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis allocated $10.6M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector, prioritizing applicants located in Census tracts characterized by having 50% or more of the households with incomes below 60% of the Area Median Gross Income or have poverty rates of 25% or more. In a new case of federal relief funding, we highlight how funds were obtained and distributed during the most challenging moments of the pandemic. 🔗 #StLouis #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

Since 2020, City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture allocated $3M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector, prioritizing organization applicants that were centered on and with a history of serving communities that were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In a new case of federal relief funding, we highlight how funds were obtained and distributed during the most challenging moments of the pandemic. 🔗 #Seattle #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

Since 2020, the City of Phoenix allocated $5M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector, prioritizing racial and geographic equity of the ninety-four organizations that applied for funding, and eighty-eight were recommended for funding. In a new case of federal relief funding, we highlight how funds were obtained and distributed during the most challenging times of the pandemic. 🔗 #Phoenix #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

Since 2020, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs allocated over $25M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector, prioritizing artists that were perhaps left out of other COVID-related funding programs due to banking and business requirements, or were members of communities disproportionately hard hit by the pandemic. In a new case of federal relief funding, we highlight how funds were obtained and distributed across the arts and cultural sector. 🔗 #NYC #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

City of Pittsburgh allocated over $2M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector. Arts leaders convened by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council advised the City to prioritize BIPOC artists, organizations with predominantly BIPOC leadership, and organizations with budgets under $250,000 for funding. In a new case of federal relief funding, we highlight how funds were obtained and distributed across the arts and cultural sector. 🔗 #Pittsburgh #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture allocated over $31M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector. In a new case of federal relief funding, we highlight how funds were obtained and distributed across the sector. Findings show that efforts prioritized organizations located in or have a primary program location in or within one mile of a “Highest Need” or “High Need” census tract. 🔗 #LosAngeles #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

How did eleven local arts agencies distribute a cumulative $100 million in Federal relief funding during some of the most challenging times of the pandemic? Join us on Tuesday, Nov 12, as Daniel Fonner, Necole S. Irvin, Patrick Fisher, and Monica Lewis MS (she/her/hers) discuss the latest research on the acquisition and distribution of these crucial funds. Learn how these tactics could be help shape future relief efforts for the arts community.

New case study examines how City of Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs allocated $5M to post-pandemic recovery of the city's arts and cultural sector. Findings show that efforts focused on supporting day-to-day business expenses, including staff salaries for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations throughout the city. #Houston #ArtsResearch #FederalFunding

Denver allocated over $2M to help offset rising prices for performing arts organizations across the city. In a recent case study on federal relief funding, we highlight how the funds were secured and distributed across the arts sector. Findings show that efforts of Denver Arts & Venues included setting aside a portion of funds exclusively for funding small organizations to strengthen economic vibrancy. 🔗 #Denver #ArtsResearch #FederalReliefFunding