Mapping the outcomes of a school-based cultural programme

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 4300 euro per project. Some 5400 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.