The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is a powerful, online management system designed to strengthen the arts and cultural sector. The CDP is an emerging national standard that gathers reliable, longitudinal data on arts and cultural organizations. The project enables participating arts organizations to track trends and benchmark their progress through sophisticated reporting features, empowers researchers and advocates with information to make the case for arts and culture, and equips funders with data to plan and evaluate grantmaking activities more effectively.
The CDP’s data have been used in a growing number of research reports across the country, including statewide economic impact reports from the Maryland State Arts Council, an overview of New York City’s nonprofit cultural organizations by the Alliance for the Arts, and an economic impact report series from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. CDP data also serves as the basis for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s Portfolio series, which examines Southeastern Pennsylvania’s nonprofit arts and cultural sector.