Mapping the outcomes of a school-based cultural programme

Abstract

This study maps the first three years of operation of a cultural programme which supported school-based creativity projects in Malta. Over the period under evaluation, the Kreattiv programme funded 54 projects to the tune of some 4,300 euro per project. Some 5,400 students actively participated for an average duration of 7 months. Unpacking these averages reveals interesting variations in the projects, the inputs and investment made and, particularly in the outputs and benefits delivered. The study delivers the first research-based evidence for the effectiveness of the programme, providing some insights as to which factors may have been instrumental in achieving such a result. A number of methodological recommendations are made, focusing on data collection processes so as to improve the rigour of future impact evaluations and, ultimately, so as to boost the net positive impacts of future editions of this, and similar, cultural programmes.