The Art of Data exhibit represented a unique visual perspective on the data that drives decisions and improvements in Kansas City.

The Art of Data exhibit represented a unique visual perspective on the data that drives decisions and improvements in Kansas City. The exhibit featured artistic adaptations using Kansas City's data. This was the first time Kansas City has combined statistical data with artistic renderings to create a visual experience for residents.

How was the Art of Data exhibit conceived?
The Art of Data exhibit began with the notion that charts and graphs, which are used to visually communicate important information to City leaders, are striking and artistic in their own way. To the self-proclaimed data-geeks who operate Kansas City's Office of Performance Management, these representations are artistic!

The Art of Data exhibit was conceived as a way to showcase Kansas City's data, and to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Office of Performance Management. The exhibit combines the strategic talents of Kansas City's Office of Performance Management with the creative and economic inspiration from the Office of Culture and Creative Services.

This partnership between City departments resulted in an exhibit that sparks awareness of and connection to City services while attracting input on City priorities. Ten local artists and creative teams answered Kansas City's call to re-interpret the charts and graphs used in actual meetings at City Hall into a new art form. The exhibit was the first community project of the newly formed Office of Culture and Creative Services.

photo of an artist and her work from the Art of Data openingWhere does the data come from?
City data is collected through internal performance measurements, analysis of 311 requests and call volumes, and through the Kansas City's quarterly Citizen Satisfaction Survey. This information is analyzed to discover measurable ways to accomplish City priorities and improve customer service.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri thinks this data is unique and interesting—The charts are artistic in that they help visually communicate information to City leaders who use the data sets to determine how to spend tax money, solve problems and to drive decision making. A visual representation of data, such as a chart or graph, tells a factual story and helps residents and stakeholders understand the impact of certain City services.

Which data sets served as inspiration for the artists?

Life Expectancy by Zip Code, Kansas City, MO 2008-2012
Operating Expenditures by Citywide Goal Area
Citizen Satisfaction with "Overall Value that You Receive for Your City Tax Dollars and Fees"
Kansas City Homicides: 1926 to Projected 2014
Citizen Satisfaction with “Overall Feeling of Safety in the City” and “How Safe You Feel in Your Neighborhood”
Economic Impact of Streetcar: Public/Private Sector Investment Near Streetcar
Property Violation Cases Created Each Week
311 Matrix: Service Request Timeliness and Customer Satisfaction by Department Work Group (FY2014)
Citizen Survey: “What are Your Top 2 Preferred Methods of Receiving Information from the City?”
Citizen Satisfaction with Streets vs. National Average