ABSTRACT

This article highlights challenges of attempting to rigorously evaluate and meaningfully communicate the social impacts of arts and culture in regional Australia. By examining how arts and culture are perceived in two geographically opposed communities, this research finds the benefits of arts engagement can be tangible and intangible, and both offer high value to regional communities. More nuanced approaches to impact assessment can help to effectively account for an array of understandings of the value of arts and culture, beyond solely numerical measures, and instead ascribe worth to localized narrative indicators of success. Opportunities exist in increasing attention to place. Sensitivity to place can illuminate how regional communities innovatively leverage creative capacities, address local challenges and create localized impact. This research suggests the value of arts and culture might be best understood at a local level, and that community-led and community-generated creative experiences are those which communities find most impactful.

摘要

本文重点介绍了尝试严格评估和有意义地传达澳大利亚偏远地区艺术和文化的社会影响所面临的挑战。通过检查两个地理上相对的社区如何看待艺术和文化，这项研究发现艺术参与的好处可以是有形的和无形的，并且都为区域社区提供了很高的价值。更细致的影响评估方法可以帮助有效地解释对艺术和文化价值的一系列理解，而不仅仅是数字衡量，而是将价值归因于成功的本地化叙事指标。机会存在于日益关注的地方。对地方的敏感性可以说明区域社区如何创新地利用创新能力、应对当地挑战并产生当地影响。