Cultural Economic Development Online Tool (CEDOT) What It Is

The Cultural Economic Development Online Tool (CEDOT), developed in collaboration with Michigan State University/CARRS, is a set of Web-based tools designed to provide the state's cultural sector and stakeholders and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) current and accessible information about the:

1) cultural consumers and tourism in Michigan and the Great Lakes market,
2) economic performance of Michigan's cultural organizations, artists and enterprises,
3) economic impact of Michigan's cultural sector and its contribution to the state's economic revitalization,
4) feasibility and potential Return On Investment (ROI) of proposed cultural facilities, programs and partnerships,
5) intrinsic values of arts and culture,
6) effective strategies, policies and programs that benefit communities, individuals, businesses and organizations

There is a general lack of consistent scientific measurement of the strengths of cultural enterprises and organizations. Michigan must find ways to better understand its cultural sector and consumer markets. Moreover, public investment in the cultural sector requires information and accountability making accurate evaluation and reporting even more crucial. The potential for cultural economic development is substantial. Therefore, Michigan must more objectively and analytically evaluate its investment in arts and culture.

CEDOT differs from other online tools, currently in use and under development, as it provides comprehensive economic impact information from the perspective of both cultural suppliers and consumers, uses standing research panels to generate data on an ongoing basis, addresses measurement of the cultural sector as a whole (non-profit and for-profit) and has the capacity to integrate data bases toward generation of on-demand, customized, narrative economic reports for existing and proposed cultural enterprises, facilities, programs and events.

Finally, CEDOT provides technical assistance and training to participants and users to help develop the next generation of cultural leaders and entrepreneurs. CEDOT users are able to access the online tool from their home or office computers, enter basic information, receive a narrative economic report and/or query other information.

Who benefits from CEDOT information?

a) cultural organizations
b) artists and crafts persons
c) entrepreneurs and developers
d) downtown development authorities
e) teachers and educators
f) economic development planners
g) public policy makers and other community leaders
h) funders and financial institutions
i) cultural event planners
j) chambers of commerce
k) cultural researchers

As research is a central component of CEDOT, the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and statewide partners are currently recruiting individuals from throughout the state who represent libraries, cultural organizations, education, arts retailers, historic preservation, artists, museums, performing arts centers, etc. for participation in survey panels as an ongoing part of CEDOT. This information, along with case studies and other credible data sources, will be used to create a multi-dimensional base of information to more accurately monitor, assess and enhance the performance and contribution of Michigan's cultural sector.

CEDOT DEVELOPMENT PHASES Phase I Planning (Completed)

Phase II Midwest Regional Arts and Culture Household Consumerism Survey (Completed)

Phase III Online Survey Panel Recruitment and Survey Research (Ongoing)

Phase IV Online Tool Operation, an interactive internet site to provide high-value user information (To be developed and calibrated from sector surveys)

Phase V Ongoing CEDOT Research and Technical Assistance (To be initiated with phase IV)

Updated 10/8/2007