Americans have experienced a decades-long decline in social engagement, and the consequences are negatively impacting our health and well-being. A new report recently released by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) shows the arts offer a solution.
Based on three national surveys and going beyond previous research, "The Great Connector: How Arts Participation Renews Civic and Community Engagement" shows arts participants experience a nearly four-fold increase in their likelihood of civic and community engagement. Participants include those who attend, create, or support the arts.
Educational attainment is a key factor that drives the relationship between arts participation and positive social behaviors, according to the study.
Findings reinforce the value of investing in creative aging and arts and health programs. They also demonstrate the arts as a robust means for promoting positive mental health. The importance of arts education as foundational to civic and community engagement is emphasized. Download the report here.
