Evaluation – the role of data

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

Attendees will hear from two very different theatres about their 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, their experience of collating it from multiple places or on complex projects, and the different ways in which they manage and share it.

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 Abbi Roberts, Development and Communications Director of The Mercury in Colchester, Essex. Abbi will talk about data from an economic impact report that was jointly commissioned by The Mercury and other cultural organisations in the region. Collated from partner organisations, data included employment, procurement, supplier and audience data as well as consultations with stakeholders. The commissioned report’s findings helped The Mercury to develop and realise its major capital project and is now being used to commission an updated report.

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 helping theatres understand the impact of their work. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in improving their theatre’s monitoring and evaluation practice through their management and use of data. 

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.  

Abbi Roberts 

Abbi has over a decade of fundraising experience across various specialisms and causes, including international development, disaster relief, youth engagement and medicine. She grew up in the Colchester area and returned there in 2016 to work at The Mercury Theatre. Her role was initially to manage the £10million capital campaign alongside the Chief Executive and the Board and she is now part of the senior leadership team and oversees the development, marketing and ticketing departments. Abbi currently also sits on the Board of Creative Colchester and Colchester Citizens Advice and completed Clore’s Emerging Leaders Programme in 2023. 

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.