Operating Support Grant

The DSSA utilizes multiple forms of program and performance evaluation. Audience feedback is solicited regularly through online surveys. This is a new form of evaluation that was started in 2018. As we have received more responses, we started integrating this feedback in 2019. For example, a “classical pops” concert was added and a “rock and roll” show was taken away based on this feedback. DSSO has already seen an increase in ticket sales. DSSO also evaluates these sales to see if we have consistent attendance and are offering concerts our community wants to attend. We also use this info to help us figure out ideal dates and times that work best for performances. We also evaluate attendance at DSSO outreach events, which are free and focused on community participation. We evaluate how many people show up and if this attendance turns into ticket sales for the main stage performances. In addition to the above mentioned forms of program and performance evaluation, DSSA also regularly partners with the University of Minnesota Duluth to conduct more in-depth evaluations. These evaluations are designed and conducted by a group of University of Minnesota Duluth marketing students under the supervision of Rajiv Vaidyanathan, Ph.D.. Dr. Vaidyanathan is a DSSA Board member and has assisted in past program evaluations. Utilizing student and board member resources, the DSSA is able to keep evaluation costs to a minimum, while providing strong data for improving programs and accessibility measures. DSSA is constantly seeking funds in order to provide transportation assistance for community members, especially for the elderly in the Twin Ports. In the past, these funds have helped the DSSA partner with local assisted living facilities to provide tickets for residents interested in attending performances. DSSA plans to keep raising funds to provide transportation for elders, as well as, expand transportation for other community members who may have transportation barriers to attending performances. DSSA is also seeking funds to help with a project supporting more community engagement with organizations that serve diverse communities traditionally undeserved by the arts. If these funds are awarded, the project will launch in 2020 and be a partnership with local indigenous and black cultural organizations, local assisted living facilities, local nonprofits that work with low-income families. DSSO also provides free and discounted tickets regularly for performances. DSSO has a discounted student ticket price for every performance to encourage attendance from younger audiences. DSSO hosts outreach concerts annually that are designed to bring in new audiences at free or discounted rates. DSSO also regularly partners with community arts celebrations such as the local music festival Homegrown to host smaller performances in the community. This is the DSSO's Bridge Sessions programming and is designed to reduce barriers to accessing the arts by bringing orchestral music into the community and the community into orchestral performances.