Research Digest: February 2026
February 26, 2026
Welcome Back to the ASO Research Digest
After over a year hiatus we are excited to share updates on the progress of the Understanding Arts Service Organizations in a Changing Arts Ecosystem, a multi-phase research study which aims to understand the role, impact, and ongoing evolution of arts service, intermediary, and regranting organizations in the United States today.
We last connected in October 2024, when we published Phase 1 Background Research report and the National List & Data Tool, the first open-source database on arts service organizations in the United States. Report findings revealed that while the concept of arts service has existed for as long as humans have made art, the term and current concept of “ASO” is relatively new. The research helped us create an expansive definition of ASO, identify a typology framework, and most importantly, it raised more questions.
Announcing Phase 2 National Scan
With thanks to the generous support of the Ford Foundation, ADC Consulting is pleased to announce the launch of Phase 2 National Scan.
This phase will focus on collecting primary data through a national survey and focus groups to better understand the condition and characteristics of ASOs today. The survey will clarify data points reviewed in Phase 1, like services and discipline, and gather additional data not available through public data sources on financial capacity, workforce, constituent engagement, and impact.
Research questions for Phase 2 include:
What are the defining characteristics of ASOs?
Is there a correlation between types of services offered and long-term sustainability and impact?
How have systems of oppression impacted ASOs both within internal operations and external service delivery models?
What role do the public and/or private sectors play in supporting and/or working with ASOs?
Anchored in ADC Consulting’s research values and principles, Phase 2 will continue to engage an Advisory Cohort of members of the arts and cultural community.
Research activities will take place from January 2026 through June 2027. Learn more by visiting consultingadc.com/asoresearch or by downloading the ASO Research Overview.
Opportunities to Engage
Interested in being a part of the research process? There are a variety of ways you can 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. Contact admin@consultingadc.com for more details.
Communication Partnerships: Do you lead a network of ASOs or serve ASOs through your programs? Consider becoming a Communication Partner for Phase 2 National Scan! Paid opportunities available. Contact admin@consultingadc.com 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.
What’s Next
As we move into this phase of the research, you can expect regular updates on its progress and more opportunities for you to engage. Upcoming activities include:
Host the first Phase 2 Advisory Cohort meeting.
Fine-tune the research methodology and survey instrument
Develop communications assets and list
Identify research and communications partners
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.
