Research Digest: April 2026

April 11, 2026

A green triangle is floating in the air "Arts Service Organizations Research" is to its right in black text. Underneath is a dark green graphic titled “Understanding Organizations in a Changing Arts Ecosystem” in black text.

What We’ve Done

Over the past few weeks we’ve moved full steam ahead as we prepare for this year’s national data collection effort. So far we have:

Downloaded, visualized and analyzed IRS financial and workforce data on 4,860 ASO’s from Phase 1. Check out some of our findings below!
Started the development and testing of a new and improved National ASO List & Data Tool, with a focus on user experience, data security, and accessibility.
Completed recruitment for the Phase 2 ASO Cohort (meet them below!) and hosted two ASO Cohort Meetings.
Created research and communications partnership opportunities.
Continued developing the Phase 2 research methodology, survey instrument, and National ASO contact list.

Introducing Phase 2 Advisory Cohort

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the Phase 2 Advisory Cohort. The purpose of the Cohort is to ensure that the research is grounded in the realities of the arts ecosystem and the experiences of those primarily impacted by the outcomes of the study.

This year’s Advisory Cohort includes a mixture of former and new members who are actively working within or alongside ASOs. Check out the full member list and read their bios.

A graphic collage of the ASO Advisory Cohort. There are four rows of three rectangular-shaped headshots on a bright yellow background.

Pictured from left to right:

Caitlin Strokosch National Performance Network
Cézanne Charles roofoftwo
Corinna Schulenburg Theatre Communications Group
Daniel Phoenix Singh Kalanidhi Dance
Eliza Tudor Nevada County Arts Council
James Miles Seattle University
Michele Anderson Springboard for the Arts
Roberto Bedoya Cultural Worker
Ryan Stubbs National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
Theresa Hubbard Fractured Atlas
Vicky Holt Takamine PA’I Foundation
Wendy Levy Alliance for Media Arts & Culture

meet the cohort

New Publication: The GIA Reader

An abstract graphic featuring humans walking inside of a green lamb-like animal while a pink human, charting their own path, sneaks out the back of the lamb.

This month, ADC Consulting released a new blog for The GIA Reader: Arts Service Organizations: Invisible Infrastructure in an Era of Retrenchment. Written for the arts funding community, the blog includes a succinct overview of the findings of Phase 1 and an opportunity for reflection and action for philanthropy and its workers. Read the blog and learn more about how funders can use the ASO Research to strengthen their work and advance the sector.

Read the Blog

Opportunities to Engage

Research Partnerships: Are you interested in gathering data on the ASOs in your region or state but don’t have the research infrastructure to do so? Consider becoming an ASO Research Partner. Check out the Research Partnerships Overview for more details.

Spread the word: Know an ASO leader who would be interested in learning more about the research or participating? Spread the word by forwarding this message or invite them to visit www.consultingadc.com/asoresearch to learn more.

Sign up for the ASO Research Digest: Was this email forwarded to you?Sign up to get periodic ASO Research updates or read February 2026’s Research Digest.

Find an ASO near you: Check out the National ASO List & Data Tool to find the closest ASO near you! The tool is intended to be an interactive database with the option to filter by state, region, arts service focus, disciplines, services, and more.

What’s Next

Ongoing ASO Cohort meetings
Finalizing the Phase 2 research methodology and survey instrument.
Ongoing development of communications assets, tools and partners.
Ongoing development of new and improved National ASO List & Data Tool.

Learn more by visiting consultingadc.com/asoresearch or by downloading the ASO Research Overview.

ADC Consulting is a fiscally sponsored project of IndieSpace. The first phase of Understanding Arts Service Organizations in a Changing Arts Ecosystem was made possible with leadership support from the Mellon Foundation. The second phase of the research is made possible with the generous support of the Ford Foundation. The research, its process, outcomes, and/or publications are independently led and created by ADC Consulting and are not commissioned by either funding entity nor do they represent their views.