ABOUT US
Research, put to work for a happier, healthier world.
In Australia there’s a lot to be grateful for. But we also face real issues when it comes to wellbeing, social cohesion and fairness.
Patternmakers is a research agency and social enterprise that helps organisations working towards a happier, healthier, more creative world.
Nuanced research,
Real connection. Meaningful change.
WHO WE ARE
Small, expert and deeply committed.
Tandi Palmer Williams founded Patternmakers in 2015 after recognising that Australia’s culture, creative and community sectors were often under-valued. She noticed that many organisations were doing powerful work, but lacked data and insights to grow their reach, funding and impact.
Our research and evaluation services were in high demand from the outset, allowing arts and community organisations access to vital insights to help them grow and adapt to new models.
During the pandemic, we established the Audience Outlook Monitor, forming a partnership between six government agencies and over 100 arts organisations. Over three years, the study heard from over 116,000 participants, helping the events industry understand changing sentiment and rebuild attendances.
We’re now turning our sights to the future and the ingredients needed to grow Australian health, wellbeing and prosperity.
Our founder firmly believes: “If you’re going to change the world, you need solid evidence to ground your decisions. Done well, research can grow connection, gather insight and build the momentum of your work in a way that is credible, ethical and impactful.”
OUR FOCUS 2025 to 2028
How can we connect more Australians with creative experiences that improve their health?
Culture, creativity and connection are not luxury goods. They are among the most powerful and accessible tools we have for improving human health and wellbeing.
But despite a growing evidence base, many Australians lack access to the programs, experiences and events that would benefit them. Arts organisations are under-resourced, change is slow and we don’t yet have the partnerships to scale promising programs.
WHAT WE DO
Research, insight and strategy — for good causes.
We offer programs, consultancy services and speaking engagements.
Consultancy
We help organisations with research, strategy and change. We draw on methodologies from psychology, economics, design and market research to help good causes grow.
More importantly, we are fluent in the languages of culture, government and community, so we can speak to stakeholders from a range of backgrounds.
Read more.
Initiatives
We love bringing people together around a problem or opportunity.
For 2026 to 2028, we’re pleased to offer Growing Together, a 12-week program to build audience connection, designed for leaders and marketers in arts organisations.
Past initiatives include Audience Outlook Monitor and Audience Research Toolkit.
Read more.
Speaking
Director Tandi Palmer Williams is an experienced speaker and facilitator, on topics like audience trends, demographic change and the social impact of the arts.
We also offer training and mentoring, to grow your organisation’s internal capability.
Read more.
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Tandi Palmer Williams.
Tandi is a researcher, consultant and speaker with over 20 years experience in industry research, social impact and wellbeing.
Originally trained in economics and finance, she has spent the past 15 years working across the arts and community sectors. She’s worked with cultural institutions, government agencies and not-for-profits, bringing people together around issues like youth mental health, accessibility, regional communities and disaster recovery.
Her particular gift is turning data into insight, and insight into change. Having authored many long and beautiful reports, she has developed a love for action research, and projects that go beyond the numbers to create true connection and insight.
Our associates
Patternmakers works with a network of specialist collaborators, including researchers, strategists, facilitators and designers, who join us on projects where their particular expertise adds the most value.
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Morwenna Collett, GAICD
ADVISOR
Morwenna is our adviser on disability, access and inclusion. A Churchill Fellow, Morwenna brings professional expertise and lived experience to our projects.
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Professor Peter Matthews
ADVISOR
Professor Peter Matthews is a collaborator and advisor on projects related to governance, strategy and regional development.
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Alessandra McCluskey-Voigt
RESEARCH ANALYST
Alessandra has skills in research, data analysis, writing and facilitating. She studied a Master of Human Rights at the University of Sydney, and is interested in the social impact of arts and culture.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Research that
people understand and use.
STAY CONNECTED
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