PREPARATION

The impetus for an artist demographic data project may come from leadership, including the board, staff, and/ or external stakeholders. The first step is to assess the formative reasons and needs for this type of project before deciding to proceed. A few key factors to consider are:

• Request: Where has the request come from and what is that person’s/ group’s stakeholder role in the project?

• Goal: Why has an artist demographic data project been requested? What is the goal? Is the organization open to the data analysis process changing this goal?

• Timing: Is there a reason for the request at this specific time? What is the timeline expected for all stages?

• Mission and Vision: In what way does the project speak to the mission and vision of the organization?

• Motivation: Is the desire to move this project forward authentic? Is it a checkbox for data or is it seeking information from the data to forge a way forward with DEIAB work?

• Trust: What trust building would need to be done if the organization’s voice in DEIAB is not trusted or respected by internal or external constituencies?

• Voice: Will the project give voice to underrepresented constituencies?

• Additional Goals: Are there motivations and goals not discussed in the original request that should be considered?

• Intersection: How does the project intersect with other larger initiatives (e.g., strategic planning, capital campaigns) conceptually and in terms of bandwidth and timing? Is there openness to the project itself initiating programmatic shifts?

• Usage and Audience: How will the information collected be used? Is the intent for internal usage or public viewing? Is the original intent for it to be used for public relations, development, or education to advance the institution’s profile and funding and/or is it to change and meet directions of DEIAB goals? Will it be used to ensure equitable practices?

• Data Storage and Security: Is there a plan for storing the information? Does the plan take into account security concerns?

• Staffing: Is there a clear plan for staffing for the project? Who will it impact and how will their day-to-day schedules be balanced? Who is the project lead who will ensure that the work gets done and is coordinated across all staff and stakeholders?

• Funding: Are there specific funds allocated for the project or is it expected to be executed within an existing budget? Are any additional staff members or consultants required?

Initial conversations can be informal and are meant for securing preliminary ideas about goals, purposes, and resources. All of these questions should be addressed in an iterative way throughout the process, and any changes to the original responses considered before taking further steps. Before moving beyond this point, document any topics, concerns, and questions that surfaced through these initial discussions. If the answers to these questions are in balance with best practices and ethics, proceed to the next stage. If there are gaps and/ or unclear information, pause and come to a mutual agreement on how to rectify these concerns before advancing.