Guild Conversations: Artists and Data

Event date: 16th February 2021

A lot of people talk about ‘big data’ being the new oil and an invader of privacy. But data has a really important role in storytelling and understanding and measuring the work we do. In this workshop, data expert Reema Vadoliya will facilitate discussions around how as artists and creative organisations we can use data to talk about, and demonstrate, the impact of our work.

This may be to tell stories about the potential impact of projects when making a case to funders or understand and evidencing how much impact you have already achieved. We will cover why data is good, understand how to use this data to tell better and more compelling stories, as well as discussing some of the drawbacks of interpreting data out of context.

Who is this event for?

Both sessions are suitable for all levels of experience. Each session will be a facilitated conversation allowing participants to ask questions and discuss real-life scenarios or data dilemmas from all levels of experience or point of entry.

Whether you are an artist who wants to understand the reach of their creative work, an organisation who is looking for funding for their next projects, or if you work with any form of data then you will get something out of this session.

If you’re unsure of whether you currently work with data, but would like to understand the impact your projects are having or how you can expand your understanding of data, then this workshop will provide a space to explore your understanding and encourage further development in your data exploration.

What will you get out of coming to this event?

In each session, Reema give an overview of business cases for data exploration, data collection, data analysis, data presentation and story telling. This will feed into a participatory workshop that will explore data challenges through discussion. Participants will get an opportunity to share personal experiences with data and discuss some challenges and approaches to solving these with Reema, who has over five year’s experience working with diverse data across a number of industries.

Active participation

The majority of the session will be discussion based and we would love for all attendees to have camera on and microphone on to make the session as interactive and beneficial for all.

What is the format of the event?

There are two sessions on Wednesday 16th February, participants are welcome to join either session and both follow the same format. 

Both sessions are suitable for all levels of experience. Each session will be a facilitated conversation allowing participants to ask questions and discuss real-life scenarios or data dilemmas from all levels of experience or point of entry.

Schedule:

Morning Session, 10-12pm

10:00 – 10:20 Welcome & group introductions

10:20 – 10:40 Presentation: Introducing the challenges and opportunities in Data

10:40 – 10:50 Break

10:50 – 11:45 Facilitated group discussion

11:45 – 12:00 Wrap up, reflection & final thoughts

Afternoon Session, 2-4pm

14:00 – 14:20 Welcome & group introductions

14:20 – 14:40 Presentation: Introducing the challenges and opportunities in Data

14:40 – 14:50 Break

14:50 – 15:45 Facilitated group discussion

15:45 – 16:00 Wrap up, reflection & final thoughts

Guild Conversations:

Guild Conversations is a programme of workshops, talks, webinars and facilitated conversations programmed by East Street Arts. The programme aims to equip the artist-led sector with tools and resources by connecting them with artists and arts facilitators.