Research
Our Current Research
Sponsored Research - Affiliated Faculty
Other Research
Past RFPs
Without sound research, policymaking in the cultural sector can only be a matter of conjecture. To help establish the sector on stronger footing, the Center develops and supports research projects that bring together humanists and empirically trained social scientists to examine the complex workings of culture in our lives.
We look for proof of effectiveness through analysis of data appropriate to the research questions posed in a particular study. We understand that particularly in the arts, effectiveness is a multi-layered concept including actions by organizations, networks of participants and individuals that lead to results. Research processes are fluid and responsive as needed to most effectively analyze the data we gather, drawing upon the full gamut of quantitative and qualitative methods available to the social sciences.
This approach is evident in the broad range of methods represented by studies undertaken and supported by the Center. For example, in its current study of Chicago arts participants, our researchers designed the study to include statistical analyses to mapping, to establish baseline measures of who participates in the arts in Chicago . To carry out this process, the Center research team assembled 1.2 million addresses of arts supporters and visitors and is mapping them utilizing U.S. Census data.
In comparison, our study of how arts organizations work to increase participation is designed using qualitative interview methods, along with coding and analysis in a qualitative database. Other studies have involved traditional survey methodology including our survey of executive compensation among Illinois arts organizations and our research on contingent valuation and measuring aesthetic responses.
We ensure research projects are appropriate to the research questions, and have produced a range of reports and books based on our research from case studies to regression analysis to economic modeling.
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