Publications
Our team works with cultural institutions, arts organisations and government agencies to conduct research on important issues and evaluate promising programs.
The results are used to improve programs and initiatives, inform funding decisions and contribute new knowledge to the field. Browse selected reports and publications below.
By young people, for young people: the impact of participation at MCA GENEXT
Jo Higgins, Tandi Palmer Williams, Brooke Boyce and Dr Catherine Davis
In 2018 and 2019, Patternmakers worked with the MCA and its youth committee to evaluate the impact of participation at GENEXT, its flagship event for 12-18 year olds.
The evaluation showed that GENEXT provides a safe space for your people to explore their creativity and their identity, with many reporting positive impacts on their wellbeing.
The research also confirmed the audience development impact of the program, with many past participants going on to become visitors, members and donors at the museum.
The results were reported in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Impact Evaluation of Gecko Ensemble Program
Brooke Boyce and Tandi Palmer Williams
Barking Gecko commissioned Patternmakers to conduct an evaluation of its Gecko Ensemble Program for children and young people in Western Australia.
Based on fieldwork with children, parents and community service providers across the State, the evaluation found that the program is delivering promising impacts for children, particularly those who experience disadvantage.
The results were published in April 2018 and reported in ArtsHub.
Evaluation of youth theatre & mental health
Tandi Palmer Williams and Brooke Boyce
In early 2018, the Australian Theatre for Young People published the Patternmakers research report exploring the impact of youth theatre programs on the well-being of young people.
The report found that 94% reported positive impacts on their overall wellbeing. The findings were published in the media, including the Sydney Morning Herald and 2DayFM, and the story reached an audience of over 7 million people.
Impacts of contemporary theatre for regional audiences
Tandi Palmer Williams
From 2015 to 2018, Patternmakers worked with producing company Performing Lines to measure the intrinsic impacts of contemporary theatre shows on audiences.
The project involved collaboration with 15 venues in regional Australia. Surveys were administered in the foyer immediately following the show, using the WolfBrown Intrinsic Impact tools.
The results were launched at the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association Conference in 2016.
Indigenous Community Engagement: Evaluation of Coordination Role
Denise Wilson and Tandi Palmer Williams
Our team worked with Performing Lines to evaluate a pilot of a new Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator position, designed to help touring theatre productions connect with local Indigenous communities.
We worked collaboratively with Gamilaroi woman Denise Wilson to gather feedback from regional stakeholders and produce a case study to share the outcomes and lessons from the pilot.