Monitoring and Evaluation in the MERITA Project: the quartets’ opinions

News | August 3, 2024

The MERITA project, aimed at increasing the visibility and circulation of emerging European string quartets while promoting cultural heritage sites across Europe, integrates a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) strategy to ensure effective implementation and impact assessment of its activities.

During the Transnational Project Meeting hold in Athens on July 18-19, 2024, EuAbout Lab (EAL) – the platform member in charge of monitoring and evaluation – shared some results of these activities, illustrating the outcome for each of the different categories reached by the project activities, first of all the quartets.

Quartets are the primary project’s target group and the surveys addressed to them highlighted several positive aspects of their involvement, emphasizing the project’s success in fostering innovative and engaging performances.

The overall assessment of the training received an average score of 4.35, on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), indicating a high level of satisfaction. The quality of the online training was rated with a score of 4.06. Participants found the digital environment user-friendly, giving it a score of 4.27. The content of the online training was rated 4.00, and the learning materials received a score of 4.09. The one-to-one final sessions were also well-received, with an average score of 4.13.

The on-site training conducted during the artistic residencies was highly rated, with an average score of 4.50. The facilities and logistical aspects, such as accommodation and meals in the historic houses, were rated even higher by the musicians, at 4.63. Participants were satisfied with the execution of their projects during the residency, giving it a score of 4.44. The experience of the test concert stood out with the highest score of 4.67. Mentoring during the residency was also highly valued, receiving an average score of 4.55.

More in general, the feedback from the quartets underlined the importance of the project’s support in their artistic development: musicians reported that the artistic residencies provided them with unique opportunities to perform in historic settings, allowing them to connect more intimately with audiences and experiment with new performance formats. They particularly appreciated the innovative approach to performance spaces, which allowed them to break away from traditional concert formats. The close interaction with the audience was particularly valued, as it created a more immersive and personal experience for both the musicians and the listeners.

In conclusion, the MERITA project’s M&E framework plays a vital role in ensuring the project’s success by providing a structured approach to tracking progress, evaluating impact, and fostering continuous improvement. Through detailed monitoring and comprehensive evaluation, the project not only achieves its immediate objectives but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and appreciation of European cultural heritage, with quartets playing a pivotal role in this journey

Author: Diletta Paoletti, responsible for Monitoring and Evaluation (EuAbout Lab)