This section showcases research that looks at how cultural organisations can effectively reach out to the public. More information about this subject can be found at the Consultation Institute and Involve.
The summaries in this category are:
Reach migrant audiences by increasing education
This research was conducted by Gerbert Kraaykamp, Natascha Notten and Hidde Bekhuis at Radboud University, The Netherlands
Summary
This research draws on large-scale survey data to explore possible explanations for the relative lack of engagement in (Western) highbrow culture of migrant communities in the Netherlands. Focusing on Turkish and Moroccan communities …
Poetry as a positive community development tool
This research was conducted by Sandra D. Sjollema and Jill Hanley at McGill University, Canada.
Summary
This paper sought to investigate the impact of poetry for community development. The study found that poetry groups are used as a tool for community development in community settings, generating numerous benefits for both disadvantaged …
Art can help involve citizens in local planning processes
This research was conducted by Marian Stuiver and three others at Wageningen University and Research Centre, Utrecht University, and the University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Summary
This study looked at the potential of art as a way of involving citizens in the processes of regional transitions. In this article, researches asked …
The arts have an important role in regenerating communities
This article was written by Alan Kay.
Summary
This article is based on a study of four arts projects in Scotland, each had an important role to play in local regeneration programmes. It found that, overall, art projects are versatile, can be used in training and employment, appeal to young people …
Art spaces can act as community spaces
This research was conducted by Carl Grodach at the University of Texas at Arlington, USA
Summary
This research explored the role of community arts spaces in providing public space and in this way supporting community development. It provides a comprehensive inventory of community art spaces (such as artist cooperatives, ethnic-specific art …
The role of the arts in event-led regeneration policies
This research was conducted by Beatriz García at the University of Glasgow
Summary
This paper argues that event-led urban regeneration strategies do not necessarily lead to the development of sustainable arts programming. It recommends a more balanced and locally embedded approach towards city renewal through arts and culture. The paper features …
Best practice in community consultation by museums
This research was conducted by Kalliopi Fouseki at The Science Museum.
Summary
The research explores how community consultation is carried out by museums, and highlights in particular the perceptions of community members involved. It uses the case study of seven institutions and their development of exhibitions based on the 1807 Abolition …
Recruiting and retaining volunteers at a rural producing theatre
This research was conducted by Helen Bussell and Debora Forbes at the University of Teesside, UK
Summary
This paper describes best practice in volunteer management, focusing on a regional producing theatre in the UK. It looks at all aspects of the volunteering process – from recruitment and management through to retention. The …
Using participatory decision-making in the arts
This research was conducted by Leila Jancovich at Leeds Beckett University, UK
Summary
This paper looked at ways in which participatory decision-making can bolster the links between arts organisations and their local audiences, particularly those not traditionally engaged in the arts. It looked at two practical examples of participatory decision-making in …
Community consultation puts overstretched organisations on a better footing
This research was conducted by Ellen Rosewall at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, USA
Summary
The paper looked at developments in the state of Wisconsin in the USA, where ‘nearly 100’ capital projects have taken place since the early 1990s, a majority of the projects have a school connection and are …