ABSTRACT
Senior decision-makers in theatre have to operate in an increasingly challenging environment. Can data play a part in creating more effective decision-making? Using examples from the Arts Council England strategy, from a generalised artistic planning case study and from diversity initiatives, three desirable aspects of data analysis are evident: robustness, relatability and involvement. Balancing the at times competing requirements for robustness, relatability and involvement is not easy. The analyst must understand that problems facing decision-makers vary in complexity. This Short identifies how taking a balanced and open approach makes it possible to use data to achieve fair-minded, inclusive, and targeted decisions.
