Changing Lives: the social impact of participation in culture and sport (2019)
By
Andrew Henon
Published evidence to Commons Select Committee on Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the value of participation in the arts.
This document was in response to a call for evidence of the benefits of participation in arts and cultural events. Participation in and access to arts is a complex area, there are countless infinite connections, relational dynamics to consider. Values and benefits are multiple with numerous diverse, impacts on wellbeing and quality of life. This submission of 7 case studies each relates to the terms of reference as stated by the committee's remit. Each conceived, designed, planned, delivered and evaluated specifically to tackle social issues or challenges in the delivery of policy with other professionals.
Here are some of the ways in which taking part in the arts cultural activities can have a positive impact on health, community and education; The arts provide the means by which disenfranchised participants can explore and develop a voice; Participation in the arts builds self-awareness, self-esteem and empowerment, from simple decision making to development of autonomy to working together, understanding of complex decision making and relationships ; Participation in the arts builds strong social networks, strong associations and lasting memories; Participation in the arts provides means by which we gain insights into ourselves and others and relationships, whilst creating meaning and purpose; The arts provides insights into experiences of others, builds understanding, tolerance, strong affinity, empathy or reactions; Participation in the arts builds trust and acceptance through work with others; Participation in the arts helps us understand narrative stories, processes of development a sense of moving on and progress through lived experience.
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