In 2001, the Metcalf Foundation launched a new and innovative Performing Arts Program. Five years later, we undertook a review of this program – it was the first time the Foundation had ever embarked on a formal evaluative process. The review was completed between January and June 2006. Grantmakers all make choices about what to support and how best to deliver that support. We wanted to understand the impact of these choices – to determine if the decisions were well-made, and what resulted from our intervention. Were we making the difference we hope to? If not, what could we do to realize the full potential of our commitment and resources? These are challenging questions.

Opening Doors: The First Five Years of the Metcalf Foundation’s Performing Arts Program describes the context for the arts program and the review process that we undertook. It also includes a brief summary of the evaluators’ report and recommendations, and what we learned about the Foundation’s work in the performing arts sector.