Evaluation of Initiatives at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Festival Internacional Cervantino

The Canada Council for the Arts engaged BDO Canada LLP to undertake an evaluation of the Canada Council’s initiatives at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the 2019 Festival Internacional Cervantino.

Research goal

The purpose of the evaluation was to understand the impact of these initiatives, and to provide recommendations for future international initiatives. 

Methods

BDO reviewed documents and conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups with participants of the initiatives, partner organizations, and Canada Council staff.

Outcomes

The evaluation concluded that:

• The initiatives provided opportunities for Canadian artists and arts professionals to share their work with international audiences, develop professional networks, and contribute to conversations about important topics.
• The roster of artists was diverse, including different gender identities, cultural backgrounds, a strong Indigenous presence, and artists from varying regions across Canada, representing both official languages.
• There are opportunities to continue artistic exchange and reciprocity between Canada and each partner country in the long-term.

Recommendations for similar initiatives included:

• Providing more guidance about the event to participants.
• Increasing the speed of financial support delivered to participants.
• Ensuring ongoing, long-term planning, for initiatives.

The Canada Council is integrating the findings and recommendations from the evaluation to guide future international initiatives.

In a new global context, Council intends to build and strengthen relationships with its partners in Canada and abroad, bringing forward the diversity of Canada’s artistic expression and creativity, as well as fostering meaningful connections with international audiences, in innovative and eco-responsible ways.

Questions?

Please contact the Research, Measurement and Data Analytics Section at research@canadacouncil.ca.