<p>This study aims to address the lack of cross-regional, long-term empirical research on the operational efficiency of Chinese art research institutions. We apply the Super-SBM DEA model to assess the operational efficiency of Chinese art research institutions and the factors influencing it, and we use the panel Tobit model to identify the variables. The data sample consists of data from 28 provinces’ art research institutions from 2012 to 2021. Key findings: 1. Institutional operational efficiency exhibits a V-shaped pattern. Average efficiency declined from 0.82 in 2012 to a low of 0.55 in 2014, then rose to a peak of 0.67 in 2018 before stabilizing around 0.60. 2. In 2018, efficiency in China’s western regions surpassed national and eastern regional averages for the first time. This improvement is linked to policy coordination, alignment, and policy direction. 3. Per capita consumption expenditure has the most significant driving effect nationwide, with values of 0.233 for the national average, 0.453 for the central region, and 0.388 for the eastern region. 4. The national coefficient for foreign trade dependency is −0.274. This indicates that higher levels of foreign trade openness increase the operational efficiency costs of domestic operations. Therefore, policies should prioritize the western region while optimizing demand in the central and eastern regions, allocating special funds for policy support, and establishing a dual-track output model combining research and market demand.</p>