Reasoning & Evidence
A growing body of literature outlines the social-emotional benefits of the arts (2), including the influence participation in art-based activities have on strengthening emotional regulation and social skills (12). The arts have been found to foster prosocial behavior, a collective feeling of accomplishment, and strengthened group identity (1), and music in particular has been linked to enhanced social bonds (1,3). The arts provide a recognized way of reducing loneliness and social isolation (4), especially among individuals living in rural or disadvantaged areas (5,6). Engaging in activities that involve multiple participants, like group crafting and singing, proves effective in promoting cooperation, self-esteem, and social inclusion among individuals of various ages, families, communities, and across diverse cultural backgrounds (7,8). Another study shows a causal link between arts education and social outcomes, including greater reported compassion among participants (11).
Place-based arts (arts and cultural activities tied to specific locations) can help foster social unity and enhance the overall health of a community (9). They also develop or deepen people’s place attachment (the emotional bond towards a geographic place), generate social capital, networks, and ties, and contribute to civic engagement (10).
Learn more: https://communitydevelopment.art/
Examples of Community Implementation
The Creative Aging Network-NC in North Carolina implements a variety of art-based programs aimed at building connections across communities. The ARTmail initiative, similar to pen pals, partners with aging care communities to exchange art boxes and build on each other’s artwork to promote social interaction and combat feelings of loneliness. Another program, “Learn English through Art,” engaged 40 refugee participants in 20 arts and citizenship and language classes where they learned techniques like printing, paper-making, and book-making with natural materials. They practiced writing in their books and shared their journey at a celebratory luncheon at the end of the program. Lastly, the “Wisdom” Artist Residency Series paired an artist with older adults, imparting skills for art creation through life reflection. This initiative integrated traditional Haliwa-Saponi symbols into Mandalas and masks, which were showcased in exhibitions throughout North Carolina.
The Possibility Project engages young people from diverse backgrounds in using theatre and musical performances to create and perform original pieces that address social issues, fostering empathy and collaboration.
StoryCorps aims to preserve and celebrate the diverse stories that make up our human tapestry by inviting everyday people to record interviews with their loved ones, friends, or acquaintances. These conversations capture the essence of personal narratives, from the extraordinary to the everyday, and serve as a testament to the power of human connection, creating a rich archive of oral histories and strengthening bonds between people. StoryCorps DIY provides direction for bringing these conversations to every community.
In Bennington, Vermont people are gathering around art in public spaces to build community connection and strengthen civic infrastructure.
Art and culture have the unparalleled capacity to make us feel connected to one another, and give us a shared sense of purpose. The very values that form a society built on healthy social connection–kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another–are key strategies to implementing community-based artistic projects. Artists have built a way to learn and practice these values. Through partnerships, artists in every state and territory have been working for decades to cultivate such values and deepen a culture of connection in social institutions like schools, workplaces, and communities. Artist Karen S. Young launched Older and Bolder while an Artist in Residence in the City of Boston working with the BCYF Grove Hall Senior Center. This visibility campaign uses art to cultivate and elevate the voices of African and Caribbean American elders through weekly Taiko drumming lessons. The senior drummers perform around Boston to inspire women to build their power and creative expression at any age. Through Taiko, the participants are claiming space and attention that is often overlooked for older adults which in turn elevates loneliness. The group also called attention to intersections that are dangerous for pedestrians which led the city to redesign one targeted intersection. The project builds social cohesion and creates pathways for everyone to be relevant to their communities. (Source CAIR Lab)
During the pandemic, Minnesota-based Springboard for the Arts launched an Artists Respond: Combatting Social Isolation program. As with many crises, throughout the pandemic, artists have stepped up to create meaning, connection and joy during this time. Recognizing the need for these artists to be supported in this work, Springboard for the Arts launched Artists Respond: Combating Social Isolation, an invitation to Minnesota artists to create small projects that create moments of joy, solace, solidarity, sharing, and a sense of connection – for those who are feeling most isolated in these pandemic times. Whether a Pen pal zine for the rural LGBTQI+ community, a handmade postcard sent to clients of a mental health care facility, a culturally significant musical performance in the parking lot of a nursing home, or a live online monster painting class for school kids, Artists Respond projects are playing an important role in lifting spirits, combatting isolation and creating camaraderie through shared experiences. (Source Springboard for the Arts website)
RiffRaff Arts Collective, Inc. seeks to support a series of arts programming that fosters dialog and healing in Princeton, West Virginia. Project activities include the production of music videos, documentary short films, and community conversations. Community members, including youth, will co-create and present artworks at city council meetings as a way to initiate discussions on critical issues facing Princeton, such as homelessness, mental health, and drug abuse. Project partners include the City of Princeton, Community Connections, West Virginia University Center for Resilient Communities, and other local nonprofits. The creative methods of engagement are intended to bring about positive community change and connection, ultimately serving as a model for the region.
Concerts in Motion, Inc. To support music performances and engagement activities for isolated, older adults. Working in collaboration with the New York City Department of Aging (DFTA), Concerts in Motion will provide virtual and in-person concert performances and intergenerational “open-mic” sessions throughout the network of Older Adult Centers, Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, and Caregiver programs overseen by DFTA. Concerts in Motion will engage their roster of as many as 130 musicians, performing in 17 genres and 16 languages, and will recruit and train paid student performers for the program. The project will assist in relieving the social isolation experienced by older adults, build intergenerational understanding, and prototype a model for arts-engaged older adult care.
Art Students League of Denver: Considering the importance of public space in building connection among community members, Art Students League of Denver aims to support arts activities that engage residents, build community connections, and inform planning for road infrastructure improvements on Morrison Road in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver. Project activities include the redesign of outdoor spaces to encourage community gathering and a series of public sculptures on both sides of Morrison Road that reflect the rich history and culture of the neighborhood. All activities will be co-created with residents and are intended to expand the civic engagement of community members. The project is a partnership between the Art Students League of Denver and City & County of Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, joined by numerous local arts and culture organizations and local businesses. Project activities will support a more cohesive, connected corridor for local businesses, community nonprofits, and residents, strengthening relationships and offering a new arts-centered engagement approach to municipal infrastructure projects that can be replicated across the city. Intended Beneficiaries: The project will benefit Westwood neighborhood residents, most of whom are Latinx, Asian, or Native American.
Kounkuey Design Initiative, Inc. To support community-driven art and a mentorship program to advance connection among residents in California’s Eastern Coachella Valley, Kounkuey Design Initiative will engage local artists and designers to mentor young artists, stage exhibitions, and offer arts-based platforms through which residents can advocate for improved public services, such as transportation infrastructure. Kounkuey will partner with the Desert Recreation District, the local government entity responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of public facilities in the Coachella Valley. The project will leverage the power of art to combat social isolation and continue building a regional community network that connects the area’s dispersed and unincorporated towns.
Arts on Prescription Field Guide offers ways to conceive of arts and culture prescribing programs with one anticipated outcome that includes combating loneliness and strengthening social connection.
Generations Project, linking multigenerational members of the LGBTQ+ community through storytelling
Reference: Action Guide for Building Socially Connected Communities