Toward a new understanding of the social impact of the arts

TLDR

Australia once led empirical studies of the arts’ social impact, but a lack of ongoing robust research has eroded that leadership, despite widespread belief that the arts positively affect society. The study reviews current research, identifies debates on meaning, methodology, and mastery, and proposes a holistic approach that balances social and intrinsic impacts to restore Australia’s leadership in arts impact studies. The authors conduct a literature review of existing studies, identifying three key debates concerning meaning, methodology, and mastery.

Abstract

Australia was pivotal in placing empirical study of the social impact of the arts on the map, and yet, a lack of continued robust research has meant that it no longer holds this place. Despite a general acceptance within the arts and health industries that the arts can have positive social impacts, there is little robust evidence to prove this. This paper reviews existing research, finding three primary debates around meaning, methodology, and mastery. This paper recommends a holistic approach to arts impact studies that juxtapose the social and intrinsic impacts. This paper is part of a larger research project into the impact of the arts that will redeem Australia’s place as leaders in social impact of the arts studies.