Author: Useem, Michael and DiMaggio, Paul J.

Publication Year: 1976

Media Type: Report

Summary:

The purpose of our research was twofold: to summarize information on the composition of the American public for museums and the live performing arts, and to assess the technical quality and the utility of studies of arts audiences. Information was gathered from three major sources. F

Abstract:

The purpose of our research was twofold: to summarize information on the composition of the American public for museums and the live performing arts, and to assess the technical quality and the utility of studies of arts audiences. Information was gathered from three major sources. First, a collection of materials from 270 studies of museum visitors and performing arts audiences was compiled from an intensive search of libraries, indexes and bibliographies; and from over 600 responses to an inquiry mailed to more than 1,200 museums, performing arts institutions, arts councils, and other organizations involved in the arts.

Second, directors of 110 recent audience studies, reports of which were received by January 1, 1977, were mailed an extensive survey. The survey forms, returned by 86 study directors, obtained information on study-director background, characteristics of the organization conducting the study, information about the relationship between the conducting and subject organizations, research methodology, and managerial applications of research results.

Finally, intensive structured interviews were conducted with directions and users of twenty-five audience studies, selected on the basis of recency, region, and representativeness of the range of institutions studied and type of research undertaken. These interviews yielded data on research applications, the purposes for which studies were undertaken, the manner in which research findings entered the decision-making process, and factors facilitating and impeding the use of research in management and policy making. (p. 30).

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Participation