Evaluation – the role of data

As part of our three-year pilot programme, Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities, this webinar offers attendees the chance to get an insight into how theatres can collect and use data for maximum impact.

Attendees will hear from two theatres about their unique ethos and approach to monitoring and evaluation. Focusing specifically on their approach to data, each theatre speaker will share why and how data is important to them, the challenges they’ve met and overcome when trying to gather it from multiple places or on complex projects, and the different ways in which they manage, safeguard and share data.  

To broadly introduce the topic, evaluation consultant Catherine Bloodworth will outline why evaluation matters, what theatres should aim to evaluate and her top tips on how to embed evaluation into regular practice. Catherine has worked extensively with arts and heritage organisations and will share insights into the impact of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data and evidence to guide decision making. 
 
The first theatre speaker will be Steve Mannix, Executive Director of The Mercury in Colchester, Essex. Steve will talk about a new piece of software being developed by The Mercury and Audience Agency which will help to consolidate data to provide a more holistic view of the venue’s audience, programming and education/ outreach activities, as well as their impact. Steve will explain the context for how this project developed, what challenges it will help his team to overcome, and his hopes for it, such as being able to spot audience behaviours and trends.    

The final speaker will be Professor Vanessa Toulmin, chair of Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservations Trust Ltd, which is on Theatres Trust’s Theatres at Risk Register. Vanessa will speak about the value and importance of raw data, especially from her perspective as the leader of a regional, largely volunteer-led organisation that is working with many national, regional and local partners and funders.  

This webinar will provide an overview of the important role data plays in monitoring and evaluation, alongside examples to demonstrate how theatres can take their evaluation to the next level. The webinar is suitable for anyone with an interest in improving their theatre’s monitoring and evaluation practice. 

The webinar will be hosted and chaired by Siân Eagar, Theatres at Risk Adviser and Programme Manager for Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities. 

Biographies 

Catherine Bloodworth 

Catherine is an experienced cultural engagement professional with over 20 years’ experience in evaluation, public engagement, audience development and strategic development within the arts and heritage sector. She has worked in leadership, consultancy, and facilitation roles across voluntary and public sectors and is passionate about supporting individuals and organisations in their development and learning, using evaluation, action learning facilitation and mentoring. Catherine is a founding partner of Bright Culture Consultancy, a values-led partnership of three consultants with a shared passion for driving positive change through expert consultancy, strategic support, project delivery and mentoring to empower and support the cultural sector.  

Steve Mannix 

Appointed as Executive Director of The Mercury in 2014, Steve has over 35 years’ experience of working in theatre, the arts and campaigning. He completed The Mercury’s £14.2m Mercury Rising capital project in 2021, which has transform the venue. Prior to this, he was part of the Culture and Ceremonies Team for London 2012. Steve has worked in senior leadership and management roles at Shape, Stonewall, Battersea Arts Centre, Graeae Theatre Company and The Albany Empire.  

Vanessa Toulmin 

 Professor Vanessa Toulmin is Chair of Early Film and Popular Entertainment at the University of Sheffield, and Director of City, Culture and Public Engagement. She leads on cultural led generation for the University in partnership with Sheffield City Council and has worked for several local authorities and heritage organisations on heritage, regeneration and major capital works. She is a historian and author of 11 books, including four on Blackpool including the Blackpool Winter Gardens. The University of Sheffield supports her role as Voluntary Chair of Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservations Trust Ltd.