STRATEGY PAPERS COMMITTEE

Arts programs are important to the community as sources for artistic entertainment, performance, and enrichment. These programs and initiatives also rely on grants and external funding for support and sustainability. While there is a push from government funders to document learning in the arts with statistical data, research demonstrates that meaningful artistic experiences are best evinced through rich, qualitative narratives. Using a case study as a focus, the author discusses ideas for gathering qualitative and quantitative data through observations, interviews, surveys, and work samples that support learning in the arts. This article provides ideas for shaping and writing a grant proposal that meets the needs of both arts initiatives and funders.