Performing arts professionals today face an increasingly data-driven funding landscape where passion alone is no longer sufficient.
As public funding tightens and philanthropic models shift toward measurable returns, the ability to articulate economic value alongside artistic merit has become essential for organizational survival. But economic arguments don't replace mission-driven messaging — they amplify it. In this webinar, we'll show arts leaders how to build a "double argument" that pairs data on jobs, spending, and community development with the human stories that move decision-makers to act. You will leave understanding what kind of data, tools, and resources your organization needs to elevate its advocacy efforts and operating mindset.
Title: Beyond "Arts Matter": Building Economic Arguments That Persuade
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm PT
Where: Zoom
This webinar will be led by Alissa Dubetz, Director at CVL Economics. Alissa specializes in data analytics, economic impact analysis, and policy research, and her expertise spans the creative economy, emerging industries, and nonprofit ecosystems. Her recent project work includes:
- Informing the reallocation of California state funding to sustain small nonprofit performing arts organizations that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic;
- Quantifying the economic and fiscal contributions of Berkeley's arts and culture sector, and evaluating the extent to which local recovery funding assisted organizations most affected by pandemic-era disruption;
- Measuring the educational and community impact of Save the Music Foundation's grant-making across Southern California school districts.
We're also excited to have Joshua Heim, Executive Director of the Western Arts Alliance opening the webinar with welcome remarks. Joshua will be sharing the highlights from the upcoming WAAOAK26 conference and speaking to how a thoughtful "double argument" not only connects with the sessions at the conference but can lead to significant wins for your organization.
If you attended a similar CVL Economics session in the past, this webinar will be a great refresher. If you're attending WAAOAK26 it will be an inspiring primer and precursor to this year's conference and the presentation by Adam J. Fowler, Economist and a Founding Partner at CVL Economics.
CVL Economics is proud to partner with Western Arts Alliance in advancing a stronger future for the performing arts. Our work is rooted in the belief that better data leads to better decisions. By equipping arts leaders with credible economic frameworks and practical tools, we help organizations strengthen their case for investment and uplift the role of arts and culture within broader economic and community development strategies.
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