The 2012 Symposium of the Western States Arts Federation
Engaging Data: Arts and Culture Research in the Digital Age
Los Angeles, California | April 12-14, 2012
Symposium Description
Today, in all fields, technology is massively increasing both the volume and variety of data available for research. One result is that the cultural field is experiencing a steady stream of both applied and scholarly data. A new challenge created by this invigorated research activity is the need to better understand the quality of the methodologies used in such research, and also the adequacy of the research results for use in the field.
Some of the issues that will be considered in this forum are: How do arts advocates, policy makers, participants, and patrons make the most of these data? What new empirical or theoretical insights can researchers gain through the integration and analysis of previously disconnected data sets? If there are common themes emerging from this research, how are we to connect them? And what types of previously unasked questions are provoked by this new data environment?
This symposium brings together experts on arts and cultural data to discuss innovative ways for managing, analyzing, and using data. Because this is an international phenomenon, participants will address both US and international issues around this topic.
Symposium Format
The symposium will feature approximately 20 participants, a group comprised of experts and leaders from a variety of fields, both inside and outside the arts. The core participants will sit at a table, make presentations, and engage in follow-up discussions among the group. Most participants will make an informal presentation of approximately 15 minutes on a preassigned topic. A limited number of presentations will include visual presentations, particularly if the presentation of the materials is greatly enhanced by the use of such information. However, in general, audio/visual materials are not included. Session presentations will be followed by comments from a designated respondent, and general discussion will conclude each session. All participants are encouraged to speak up, share thoughts, and draw connections during discussion after each session's presentations. A small number of observers will also be in attendance. Observers may be asked by the facilitator to join in during key parts of the symposium conversation; however, observers typically do not participate in the central conversation.
Symposium Atmosphere
The symposium is a high-level presentation and dialogue; however, the atmosphere is informal. Because the dialogue is collegial and extemporaneous, participants will not read their remarks. All symposium dialogue will be audio recorded, transcribed, and thoroughly edited before the proceedings are published on the web.
Who can Join the Symposium as an Observer?
The symposium is open on a space-available basis to observers. Observers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are not screened or otherwise selected. Observers must pay a nominal fee that covers the cost of their participation in the opening reception and dinner, the symposium lunch, and their use of refreshments provided throughout the symposium. This fee is $275.00. Observers have no formal role in the proceedings.
Time Commitment
Symposium observers can participate for the entirety of the symposium. The forum will open with a reception, dinner, and initial presentation at 6:15 p.m., Thursday evening, April 12. The event will conclude with an 8:00-9:30 a.m. wrap-up session on Saturday morning, April 14.
Transportation
As an observer, you are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. Transportation from Los Angeles International Airport to the Omni Los Angeles Hotel can be secured by taxi or shuttle.
Hotel
Most symposium events will take place in downtown Los Angeles at or near the Omni Hotel at California Plaza (251 South Olive Street). You can contact the hotel by calling (213) 617-3300. Additional information about the Los Angeles Omni Hotel can be found by visiting: www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/losangelescaliforniaplaza.
Observers are welcome to attend for just $275, but space is limited. Reserve your space now by contacting Leah Horn at (303) 629-1166, or by email at .
Engaging Data: Arts and Culture Research in the Digital Age Los Angeles, California | April 12-14, 2012
Symposium DescriptionToday, in all fields, technology is massively increasing both the volume and variety of data available for research. One result is that the cultural field is experiencing a steady stream of both applied and scholarly data. A new challenge created by this invigorated research activity is the need to better understand the quality of the methodologies used in such research, and also the adequacy of the research results for use in the field. Some of the issues that will be considered in this forum are: How do arts advocates, policy makers, participants, and patrons make the most of these data? What new empirical or theoretical insights can researchers gain through the integration and analysis of previously disconnected data sets? If there are common themes emerging from this research, how are we to connect them? And what types of previously unasked questions are provoked by this new data environment? This symposium brings together experts on arts and cultural data to discuss innovative ways for managing, analyzing, and using data. Because this is an international phenomenon, participants will address both US and international issues around this topic.
Symposium Format
The symposium will feature approximately 20 participants, a group comprised of experts and leaders from a variety of fields, both inside and outside the arts. The core participants will sit at a table, make presentations, and engage in follow-up discussions among the group. Most participants will make an informal presentation of approximately 15 minutes on a preassigned topic. A limited number of presentations will include visual presentations, particularly if the presentation of the materials is greatly enhanced by the use of such information. However, in general, audio/visual materials are not included. Session presentations will be followed by comments from a designated respondent, and general discussion will conclude each session. All participants are encouraged to speak up, share thoughts, and draw connections during discussion after each session's presentations. A small number of observers will also be in attendance. Observers may be asked by the facilitator to join in during key parts of the symposium conversation; however, observers typically do not participate in the central conversation.
Symposium Atmosphere
The symposium is a high-level presentation and dialogue; however, the atmosphere is informal. Because the dialogue is collegial and extemporaneous, participants will not read their remarks. All symposium dialogue will be audio recorded, transcribed, and thoroughly edited before the proceedings are published on the web.
Who can Join the Symposium as an Observer?
The symposium is open on a space-available basis to observers. Observers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are not screened or otherwise selected. Observers must pay a nominal fee that covers the cost of their participation in the opening reception and dinner, the symposium lunch, and their use of refreshments provided throughout the symposium. This fee is $275.00. Observers have no formal role in the proceedings.
Time Commitment
Symposium observers can participate for the entirety of the symposium. The forum will open with a reception, dinner, and initial presentation at 6:15 p.m., Thursday evening, April 12. The event will conclude with an 8:00-9:30 a.m. wrap-up session on Saturday morning, April 14.
Transportation
As an observer, you are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. Transportation from Los Angeles International Airport to the Omni Los Angeles Hotel can be secured by taxi or shuttle.
Hotel
Most symposium events will take place in downtown Los Angeles at or near the Omni Hotel at California Plaza (251 South Olive Street). You can contact the hotel by calling (213) 617-3300. Additional information about the Los Angeles Omni Hotel can be found by visiting: www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/losangelescaliforniaplaza.
Observers are welcome to attend for just $275, but space is limited. Reserve your space now by contacting Leah Horn at (303) 629-1166, or by email at .
Symposium Contact Information
