The Role of Community Art Programs in Building Social Capital:

A Thesis Exploration

Saad Aqeel

Candidacy Review

Fall 2009

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Purpose of the Study

Assumptions

Theoretical Framework

Literature Review Resources Research Questions

Research Strategy

Research Plan

Social Capital Theory

Theoretical

Empirical Policy

Methods

Techniques

Prospectus

Impacts on Community

Impacts on Economy

Impacts on Individual

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• There is a repeated claim in the literature that participating in art and cultural works can contribute to a range of outcomes. The diagram is a visual representation of the potential impact of the arts on three aspects: first, on building social capital and community cohesion; second, improving the economy; and third, benefits of arts on an individual level.

• For example, community arts programs are said to build social capital by boosting individuals’ ability and motivation to be civically engaged in the community, as well as building organizational capacity for effective action.

• Economic impacts are perhaps the most tangible benefits of the arts. The potential economic outcomes of arts in society are that arts attract visitors and also investments. By improving a community’s image, people may feel more confident about investing in that community.

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Assumptions

Figure 1: Impacts of Arts on Society

Arts Investments

Cultural Tourism

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Social Cohesion

Civic Engagement

Well-being

Creative Ability

Community

Economy

Individual

• In the art world, community art signifies a particular art making practice, emphasizing community involvement and collaboration. Working closely with the communities to create an artistic response is crucial to any successful public art project as it contributes a number of benefits, from aesthetic to economic and social benefits. Public art has potential role in building social capital for two reasons: first, “taking part” in the arts can be done actively, as artist, or passively as audience. Secondly, participation in the arts has more appeal than some traditional forms of personal and community development. It is likely to be enjoyable as well as valuable in other ways.

• This research is aimed to achieve deep understanding of the potential role of community public art projects and their abilities to make positive contributions to social capital.

• This research is a significant in its attempt to address main concepts and practices on how community public art can be utilized as a strategic tool to build social capital.

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Community Art

Programs

Social Capital

Arts has more appeal than

other forms of community

development

Taking part in the arts can be

done actively or passively

Purpose of the Study

Potential Contributions

Figure 2: The Potential Role of Community Art in Building Social Capital

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“The central thesis of social capital theory is that relationships matter.”

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Field, J. (2005) 'Social capital: Critical Perspective‘ Oxford University Press

Social Capital Theory

Social capital theory Public art reflects social theory about the place and demonstrates a style that is attributed to the public space in the urban settings. It is recognized as an important in assisting communities to create sense of place and a sense of identity.

Pierre Bourdieu

James Coleman

Theorists

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Jane Jacobs

Social theory, social capital, and economic

capital

Urban life and

community regeneration

Social context of education

The scope of the literature used can be classified into three main categories:

• Theoretical literature – studies that focuses on why people decide to participate in the arts and discuses the positive outcomes of arts to underprivileged individuals and communities.

• Empirical literature – case studies based on national survey data. These case studies range from large scale quantitative analyses to single case ethnographies.

• Policy literature – evaluative studies which measure the effectiveness of social inclusion outcomes of arts and cultural activities.

These literatures indicated that there is a need for being more innovative in integrating different approaches and methodologies for investigating the art within broader social inclusion initiatives.

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Literature Sources

Theoretical

Empirical

Policy

oProfessional Journals oSocial Science Abstract Database oOrganization Reports oBooks oStatistics oNewspaper oIndividual Networking oInternet

10 Figure 3: System Map of Literature Sources

o Why people become involved in the arts and how arts organizations can influence their participation?

o How can public art programs can create opportunities for community engagement?

o How people use the arts and other forms of creative effort to express their attachment to places?

o How can art organizations help communities build social capital through public art?

o What are the design implications and opportunities for using community art to address social issues?

Research Questions

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Figure 4: Information Processing for Conducting the Research

Research Strategy

Looking at People

Looking Backward

Looking Sideways Looking Sideways

Looking Ahead

Research Methods and Techniques The followings are the qualitative methods that will be used in conducting the study: • Direct Observation: this method suggests a more detached perspective and more focused. In using

this method, the researcher is observing certain sampled situations or people rather than trying to become immersed in the context.

• In-depth Interviews: include both individual interviews as well as group interviews. • Secondary Research: Analysis of the existing manuscripts, including newspapers, books, websites,

and annual reports. Usually, written documents are analyzed with some form of content analysis. Likewise, a number of techniques will be used to collect the research data. The main are as follows: • Photo/video ethnography – consists of video tapping or photographing specific activities in the

user’s life. • Photo Journals – consists of giving disposable camera to users and asking them to photograph

specific events of their daily activities. • Social/cultural trends – to look for social and cultural indicators that could support assumptions

about future scenarios. • Web survey – web-based survey instrument such as Zoomerang.

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Direct Observation In-depth

Interviews

Secondary Research

Web Survey

Social/Cultural Trends

Research Methods and Techniques

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Figure 5: System Map of Research Methods

The proposed research is divided into five stages with each consecutive stage designed to inform the directions and content of subsequent stages:

Stage I: Review of Existing Background Information: This stage involves the collection of initial background information needed for the study that will look at

relevant policies and practices that affect participation in community art projects. Stage II: Preliminary Data Collection: This is a core data collection stage in which information from research participants will be gathered.

During this stage, a contextual inquiry will be carried out. Stage III: Web Survey As a final stage of information gathering, it is proposed that an online survey to be distributed to

individuals who are in key positions to identify current issues facing community art projects. Stage IV: Data Analysis and Preliminary Findings: Once the full data have been collected, data analysis will be conducted in developing design solutions to

issues that are identified in stages I, II, and III. Stage V: Final Report and Feedback Presentations: A final report will be prepared and will include a set of recommendations and implications for practice.

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Next Steps

Review of existing background information

Preliminary data collection Design model for increasing participation in community art program

Web survey Data analysis and preliminary findings

16 Figure 6: Research Implementation Process

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End of Presentation