In 2015, the Hewlett Foundation commissioned Olive Grove Consulting and Informing Change to conduct a midpoint assessment of the Performing Arts Program’s Strategic Framework, 2012-2017. Based on interviews with grantees, peer art funders, and arts leaders, among others, as well as quantitative analysis of the Program’s grantmaking and a review of existing literature, the consultants report assesses progress toward the goals identified in the strategic framework and makes recommendations about how to support further achievement of those goals during the second half of the period covered by the strategic framework. Among the key findings are:

  • “from 2011-2014, total participation in grantees’ performing arts activities, including performance, events, workshops, and classes, grew by 33%, from 10.3 million to 13.7 million”
  • “[California] K-12 enrollment in arts courses increased from 1.3 million in 2012-13 to 1.4 million in 2013-14 with all ethnicities except White and Asian/ Pacific Islander meeting the growth target of 1%”

Performing Arts Program Director John McGuirk introduced the midpoint assessment report with a blog post, Taking Stock of Our Performing Arts Grantmaking.