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The Review of studies from around the world on the value of cultural interventions found good studies that showed the arts improve economic outcomes, health and wellbeing, social engagement and education.
The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society produced by Arts Council England noted the importance of ‘robust credible research which clearly demonstrated the impact arts and culture play on society’.
‘Arts and cultural organisations are facing the most significant challenges in several decades and there is an increased appetite across the sector for research that will support both evidence based decision-making and the development of a robust case for funding.’
Although the Review found strong evidence of many instrumental value contributions it also identified important gaps in the research, which it says must be addressed.
The Review initially identified more than 500 pieces of research all published since 2010 based on sound scientific principles and primary data and published in English. This was narrowed down to 90 studies with clear hypotheses, independent authors and implications for policy and practice.
Positive outcomes identified by the studies reviewed showed engagement with the arts gives people:
Better physical health: Studies showed people who had attended a cultural place or event in the previous 12 months were almost 60 per cent more likely to report good health compared to those who had not. Theatre-goers were almost 25 per cent more likely to report good health.
Better recovery: A number of studies reported cultural interventions had positive impact on specific health conditions, which include dementia, depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Better social interaction: Studies showed dance reduced loneliness and alleviated depression and anxiety among people in social care environments.
Better cognition: Engagement in structured arts and culture improved the cognitive abilities of children and young people.
Better social engagement: High-school students who engaged in the arts at school were twice as likely to volunteer compared with those were not engaged in the arts, 20 per cent more likely to vote (in countries where voting is not compulsory).
Better employment outcomes: Students who had taken arts subjects were more employable and more likely to remain employed than the average.
Better educational outcomes: Schools that integrate arts across the curriculum in the US showed consistently higher average reading and mathematics scores compared to similar schools that do not. Taking part in drama and library activities improved attainment in literacy. Taking part in structured music activities improved attainment in maths, early language acquisition and early literacy.Better social mobility: Students from low income families who take part in arts activities at school are three times more likely to get a degree than children from low income families who did not engage with the arts.
For society, as a whole the studies identified five core economic benefits:- attracting visitors
- creating jobs and developing skills
- attracting and retaining businesses
- revitalising places
- developing talent.
A Bibliography of all the papers that contributed to these conclusions is available from Arts Council England.
More on Plugging the Gaps in the research.
