Our research continues to illustrate both the resilience and vulnerability of nonprofit arts and culture. This year, five key takeaways emerged that capture the sector in a state of adaptation and evolution. Read the full article 🔗 buff.ly/RrYt8mx

#research #artsandculture #SMU

Andy Draper from SMU Meadows School of the Arts interviews Jen Benoit-Bryan to discuss what SMU DataArts does, the kind of research we conduct, how that research is applied to arts communities, and several mentions in the New York Times.

🔗 buff.ly/eRUDWc9

#MeadowsOnTheMic #SMUDataArts #SMUMeadows

New analysis: Revenue trends diverged sharply by organization size from 2019-2024. Small orgs grew 28%, large orgs declined 22% (inflation-adjusted). See how size shapes financial trajectories 🔗 buff.ly/G4vBf3T

The article from @nytimes.com also references findings from our National Trends 2025 #report, which documented similar challenges across the broader #arts sector—including #theaters, orchestras, and #dance companies—revealing a sector-wide impact that extends well beyond museums alone.

Read more 🔗

At a recent SMU DataArts lecture, Bao-Long Chu shared how Houston Endowment is shifting its approach to arts funding: building on data, drawing from lessons in parks, and emphasizing civic participation.

#ArtsFunding #HoustonCulture
@smudataarts.bsky.social

78% of museum workers have never received a full promotion, and 28% of full-time workers report earning less than a livable wage according to this year's Museums Moving Forward report. A must-read for anyone committed to workplace equity in the arts 🔗 museumsmovingforward.com

#museumsmovingforward

Federal labor data misses thousands of working artists—especially those juggling gigs, caregiving, and making far less than current statistics suggest. This breakdown of a major NY artist survey shows who's invisible in official statistics (and why that matters). #artsresearch

🔗

Welcome Michael DeWhatley, PhD, our newest Postdoctoral Fellow in Gender Studies in the Arts! In this role, Michael will help integrate gender-focused inquiry into our research and drive new insights at the intersection of arts, equity, and data.

Read more about Michael 🔗 buff.ly/dgy2kjk

Along with insights from SMU DataArts director, Jen Benoit-Bryan, Inside Philanthropy explores how arts funders can adjust practices when the "normal" funding landscape has not yet returned.

Read the full story 🔗 buff.ly/RHulYEP

#philanthropy #artsfunding #artsresearch

Joy, healing, and empowerment are among the several benefits that cultural organizations in #Queens, #NY provide, but geographic isolation, infrastructure gaps, and limited resources are preventing these vital organizations from reaching their full impact.

Read the full report 🔗 buff.ly/2ZI2pkG

The financial cushion created by relief funding continues to shrink for nonprofit cultural organizations.

Working capital fell to the equivalent of 4.2 months of expenses in 2024, with 42% of organizations having three months or less in savings.

Read more 🔗 buff.ly/sFExG4z

The arts sector may be recalibrating how it connects with audiences.

Our latest National Trends 2025 report shows how revenue declines and staffing changes are reshaping programming—with surprising results for community engagement.

Read more 🔗 buff.ly/exZs7yx

What do you prioritize when forced to cut your expense budget?

In 2024, the average organization cut personnel budgets by 23%, yet data shows leaders made clear choices about prioritizing artistic talent.

Read the analysis 🔗 buff.ly/exZs7yx

#nationaltrends2025 #artsresearch #artsandculture #smu

Arts funding is back to pre-pandemic patterns: 40% earned revenue, 59% contributed. Suggesting funding portfolios are rebalancing after years of disruption.

But here's the catch: every contributed source—individual donations, foundation grants, gov funding—fell below 2019 levels. 🔗 buff.ly/lMSQhrR

Arts revenue hits a six-year low: down 25% from 2023 to 2024, and 36% since 2019 when adjusted for inflation.

The twist? 62% of organizations actually saw slight revenue increases. Indicating large revenue losses were concentrated among a subset—not a universal experience. 🔗 buff.ly/lMSQhrR

The nonprofit arts sector is walking a financial tightrope—but still drawing crowds.

@SMUDataArts releases its latest National Trends analysis, tracking data from 6,500+ arts organizations nationwide to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of today.

Read more 🔗 buff.ly/xdR9NI5