the role of community art programs in building social capital thesis prospectus review
TRANSCRIPT
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