Dallas, TX / September 16, 2024  - SMU DataArts, a leading research center for arts and culture, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Wenhua Di as the organization’s Research Director as of September 16.  Di also serves as a Research Professor in the Division of Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship in the Meadows School of the Arts and a Research Professor in the Department of Economics in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences at Southern Methodist University.

With a robust background in economics, methodological design, and complex quantitative analysis, Di brings a unique skill set that enhances the organization's ability to generate new knowledge in arts and culture. She’s explored a range of topics through an equity lens including consumer finance, access to credit, education, and the labor market, and she’s well prepared to apply these tools and techniques to advance questions in arts & culture research. Her experience in effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences and managing large-scale data access projects will also play a critical role in shaping the impact of SMU DataArts research within the field.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wenhua Di to lead our research team,” said Dr. Jen Benoit-Bryan, Director of SMU DataArts "Her expertise and vision will be instrumental as we expand our research capabilities and work to deepen our impact within the arts and culture field."

Before joining SMU DataArts, Di served as a Senior Research Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and as Executive Director of the DFW Federal Statistical Research Data Center. She holds a PhD in public policy with a concentration in environmental economics and has published extensively in academic journals.

SMU DataArts is committed to providing evidence-based insights that help build strong, vibrant, and equitable arts communities. Under Di’s research leadership, the organization is well-positioned to continue delivering actionable insights and solutions that address key challenges and opportunities in the arts sector, empowering its partners and collaborators across the country.