Support systems deserve support, too.
September 19, 2026
One of the driving forces behind the Understanding Arts Service Organizations in a Changing Arts Ecosystem research is our sincerely held belief that arts service organizations are essential connective tissue within the arts ecosystem. ASOs are most often responsible for connecting burgeoning artists to resources, convening stakeholders at the local level, and sounding the alarm when systems break down.
Preliminary results from Phase 2 of the ASO research indicate that many ASOs across the United States are doing this critical work with small teams and few resources. Consider for a moment all the unproduced artistic works, all the meetings that never take place, and all of the unmet needs that are never flagged because the only ASO in town has closed due to a lack of support. We believe that ASOs deserve the same support that they provide for others.
SURVEY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
This week we are spotlighting Grantmakers in the Arts. Our Survey Partners are helping make this research a reality and ensuring that the 2026 National ASO Survey captures a richer, more representative picture of the sector.
Image Description: White background with blue text and a blue squared box with the letters "GIA" embedded in white text. The text next to the icon reads “Grantmakers in the Arts Supporting a Creative America.”
Grantmakers in the Arts is a national association of public and private arts funders, providing members with resources and leadership to support artists and arts organizations.
THE NEXT SURVEY TAKING PARTY: SEPTEMBER 23
Grantmakers in the Arts will be co-hosting this week’s Survey Taking Party, and we’re inviting ASOs across the country to join us, take the survey, and get connected. It’s an opportunity not only to contribute to a national picture of the field, but to connect with other organizations. If you haven't made it to a party, we hope you’ll join us this week!
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 3:00 – 4:00pm EST
Registration: Free & required.
ENTER THE RAFFLE
Submit your survey and you'll be automatically entered in the ASO Survey Raffle for a chance to win free consulting services! Score a bonus entry when you join a Survey Taking Party. The earlier your organization submits your survey, the more chances you'll have to win.
At our next party we’ll be raffling off:
Fundraising & Nonprofit Strategy Support with Stacy Handler of Bloom Arts Strategy
One hour of fundraising or nonprofit strategy consulting support.
Executive Coaching with Kerry McCarthy of 1:1 Advisory
One hour strategic coaching session for a nonprofit executive.
From left to right: 1. Tall blonde women with fair skin wearing a hot pink shirt and black leather jacket smiling and leaning against a wall painted with a vibrant mural. 2. A white woman with glasses and gray hair wearing a leather jacket stands on NYC street with a yellow taxi in the background. Photo credit: Bonnie J. Heath and Casey Kelbaugh.
SURVEY PROGRESS
Image Description: This image illustrates a survey completion progress bar, including surveys completed to date relative to the response goal of 1,063 and study universe of 4,025. It also notes how many days are left in the open survey period, which ends October 9, 2026.
We've had 137 surveys submitted so far! Make sure your organization gets counted!
To check out more live data updates, including the geographic location, budget size, and artistic discipline of survey respondents to date, visit the 2026 National ASO Survey Response page.
NEED HELP TAKING THE SURVEY?
There are several ways you can get help:
Download a Google Doc version of the survey to prepare your answers and collaborate with your colleagues before submitting.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
Email us your questions at research@consultingadc.com. A member of the ADC Consulting team will get back to you within approximately 2–3 business days.
You can also visit the ASO Research Page to learn more about the multi-phase research study this survey is a part of.
REMEMBER: The survey will collect responses through October 9, 2026 (one per organization).
