As an organization grows, it matures through identifiable, different stages of development.  At each stage, particular characteristics are present and act as indicators that influence the organization’s behavior.  If the organization's board and staff are aware of where it is in the life cycle progression, they will be in a better position to understand the tasks, challenges, and growing pains they will face as they attempt to position it for future growth.

smARTscope™ – is a comprehensive, online, self-assessment tool developed by the Arts & Business Council of Chicago and is built on A&BC’s philosophy that arts organizations develop along a predictable continuum within 7 key management areas from birth to established institutions.  The goal is to help arts groups develop evenly to a self-sustaining and resilient phase, regardless of age or budget size.

The assessment covers seven management areas:

This anonymous, online smARTscope™ survey, taken by every member of an organization's board and staff, allows organizations to identify lagging management areas and suggest ways to redirect resources away from areas that are over-developed to stabilize the organization.  This process is an ideal foundation for comprehensive strategic planning.

Learn more about smARTscope™.