The Arts Impact Community: The Benefits Of A Community

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The benefits of the arts seem apparent, as a participant or an observer. There must be a feeling of accomplishment and confidence for the artist who creates something beautiful on a blank canvas. And there is certainly evidence of enjoyment when an audience applauds a ballerina for a flawless performance. But can these individual feelings and experiences translate to a whole community? Can the arts truly have an impact on communities?
Recently, I discovered my home town of Warrior, Alabama has been refurbishing a vacated armory into a state of the art library and arts center. The Regional Library & Arts Center is a project of the community of Warrior in partnership with several surrounding small communities. The vision, when realized, …show more content…

I searched the internet for studies or information regarding the impact of community art endeavors hoping to find some understanding of the process. Some findings were rather discouraging. According to Joshua Guetzkow’s paper, “How the Arts Impact Communities: An introduction to the literature on arts impact studies,” few community impact studies offer convincing proof the impact of arts programs is greater at the community level than other projects. Guetzkow brings to light that empirical evidence is less likely to be obtained since there are so many variables to be considered as well as differing definitions of those variables (Guetzkow).
Regardless of the seemingly difficult task of presenting robust evidential studies, many advocacy agencies vigorously tout the arts as essential to a healthy community. The Americans for the Arts Agency lists the following ten characteristics of a healthy community in which the arts play a critical role (americansforthearts.org).
1. The arts bring together diverse people.
2. Elected officials understand the importance of supporting the arts and do so.
3. The arts are valued as a critical component of learning for all children (at-risk included) and for adults both in the classroom and in other educational …show more content…

Participating in arts projects puts people in touch with their heritage and helps give definition to community identity. This has a direct impact on community pride and solidarity. Making art and experiencing art is an act of hope and renewal. Participating in a community arts program may not directly put bread in the mouth, but it provides a rich and nourishing spiritual meal that is often

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