Collective Encounters: Evaluation Policy and Procedure

Collective Encounters (CE), a theater based in Liverpool, England, uses evaluation tools to measure its efforts to affect social change. This seven-page primer details CE’s evaluation policy framework, which distinguishes between feedback, monitoring, evaluation and advocacy. Of particular value in this policy and procedure document are two sets of indicators: 1) Quality indicators that articulate what CE understands by terms such as high quality and excellence in relation to the creative process, product, and management; and 2) Social change indicators in three areas: personal transformations, civic transformations, and political change. Instead of using a consistent evaluation model, Collective Encounters creates a unique rubric for each performance, workshop, or event based on the aims and objectives of the artists and stakeholders involved. Collective Encounters’ evaluation policy can be used as a model for theaters or other arts organizations that want to learn how to use feedback from audiences, participants, and stakeholders as a source of evidence to measure the social impact of their work and to help improve the quality of arts for change work. Related Documents: “Songs for Silenced Voices” Audience Feedback Questionnaire, Questionnaire Results, and Audience Profile.