Art Education in a Transitional Moment: Bridging Academic Theory and Field Practices, Reflecting on Two Decades and Envisioning the Future

/

This Canadian Art Teacher journal article by Marie-Pier Viens and Davie LeRue examines the evolution of art education in Canada over the past two decades, highlighting the shift from skills-based approaches to broader methodologies centred on “arts-thinking” and integrating visual culture, social justice, and research into artistry. Despite these shifts, the authors observe a disconnect between theory and practical application in schools and communities. They then provide suggestions to bridge this gap, from collaborative project-based learning to community-based arts education.

Read More

“This Is What You Get When You Lead with the Arts”: Making the Case for Social Wellness

/

This Journal of Medical Humanities publication by Andrea Charise, Nicole Dufoe, and Dirk J. Rodricks presents a historical, theoretical, and practice-guided framework for social wellness that highlights aesthetics and arts engagement as meaningful drivers of individual wellness and positive social outcomes. The authors end by providing concrete recommendations for advancing arts-led social wellness initiatives.

Read More

COVID-19 B.C. Arts & Culture Sector Impact Survey: Fall 2021 Sector Impact Report

/

This November, GVPTA and arts service organizations across the province invited individual artists, arts workers, and arts, culture and heritage organizations throughout British Columbia and across all disciplines to help convey a better understanding of where they are at now by completing the Fall 2021 edition of the COVID-19 B.C. Arts & Culture Impact Survey.

Read More

Social Impacts of Culture and the Arts WA→

/

This Social Impact study from Australia identifies and quantifies social benefits in the broader community that are generated through participation or attendance at artistic and cultural activities. An extensive literature review was undertaken to identify positive social impacts clearly linked to artistic and cultural activities. The review covered a diverse spectrum of studies and identified three main social instrumental impacts that have the potential to be quantified: health, education, and social capital.

Read More

Artful Living: Examining the Relationship between Artistic Practice and Subjective Wellbeing Across Three National Surveys→

/

Examines the effects of amateur and professional artistic practice, using three American datasets. Concludes that there is strong support that artistic practice is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, a more positive self image, less anxiety about change, a more tolerant and open approach to diverse others, and, in some cases, less focus on materialistic values and the acquisition of goods.

Read More