Community and the Arts

June 5, 2018

A literature review of the multi-dimensional impact of community-based arts programs

[A]rts programming is strongly correlated with demonstrable, positive effects on economic prosperity, educational outcomes, physical and mental health, multiracial social cohesion, civic and civil engagement, and the reinforcement of equity and social justice.

Micah Tucker
University of Washington Tacoma
B.A. 2019
THA Executive Intern

Over the past few decades researchers have compiled a body of work seeking to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the impact of arts programing across several dimensions of human and social life. This research literature reports that arts programming is strongly correlated with demonstrable, positive effects on economic prosperity, educational outcomes, physical and mental health, multiracial social cohesion, civic and civil engagement, and the reinforcement of equity and social justice. This report summarizes that literature.

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