You may qualify for this research– even if you don't call yourself an ASO.
October 10, 2026
We know our research is called Understanding Arts Service Organizations in a Changing Arts Ecosystem, and we also know that there's a wide range of organizations that technically qualify as Arts Service Organizations (ASOs). Many of these organizations have never used the term “ASO” and don't identify as an arts service organization. That's why we want to make sure we're not missing your story. If your organization works in the arts in any capacity, we encourage you to read the definition below, even if you don't use the term “ASO” to describe yourself.
You may qualify if you are:
an organization whose mission and/or programs are focused on serving the artists, arts workers, and entities who deliver the arts as experiences, goods, services, and meaning to communities of all types and geographic locations.
an organization with programs or offerings that serve artists, arts workers and arts entities
If you said yes to the above,
you can be a formally incorporated organization, collective, or informal group, and can include regranting and intermediary organizations.
you must be based in the United States or Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa.
Do not take the survey if you are:
a individual artist and/or arts worker;
a organizations based outside of the United States or Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa;
a ASO who has already closed or who will close by December 31, 2026;
a government arts agency (e.g., one of the nation's 56 state arts agencies, or a county, municipal, or other arts agency representing a local government.); or
a foundation whose majority of activities or primary purpose is grantmaking with funds that come from its existing financial assets
EXAMPLE ORGS: You provide affordable space as a service to artists and/or arts organizations. You are a fiscal sponsor for artists and/or arts entities. You are a producing theatre company that offers a training program for directors. You are a presenter that organizes impact and evaluation on arts and culture in their community. You are a social service organization that engages in arts advocacy.
THE NEXT SURVEY TAKING PARTY: OCTOBER 14
Need support completing the survey in real time? Drop by a Survey Taking Party. Survey Taking Parties are 60-minute virtual Zoom sessions designed as informal, drop-in office hours.
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 14, 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:
Work, Leadership and Life Alignment with Dr. Michelle Ramos of drmichelleramos.com
Dr. Ramos is offering a 60-minute, one-on-one coaching session. Her coaching firm centers supporting leaders and mission led organizations to thrive and expand while maintaining balance, healthy collective culture and personal sustainability.
Image description: Dr. Michelle is a brownskin woman with salt and pepper hair in a bright yellow dress sitting on a porch with black iron door and green background. Photo by Nkechi Chibueze
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 November 9, 2026.
We've had 216 surveys submitted so far! Make sure your organization gets counted! Help us reach our goal and 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 November 9, 2026 (one per organization).
