Civic Engagement and the Arts
“Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” - Civic Responsibility and Higher Education (2000), edited by Thomas Ehrlich
Through creating and experiencing the arts, participants can explore social and political issues and their various associated viewpoints. The arts can inspire individuals and groups to make informed political decisions, to create and support causes, and to take action in their communities.
For more information about civic engagement and the arts, check out these links:
The Arts and Civic Engagement: Involved in Arts, Involved in Life (pdf) – Published by the National Endowment for the Arts, 2007
Animating Democracy – A Program of Americans for the Arts
Civic Engagement and the Arts: Issues of Conceptualization and Measurement (pdf) – Published by Animating Democracy, 2009
Arts and Civic Engagement Toolkit – Available for Purchase from Americans for the Arts
Art and Civic Engagement: Mapping the Connections (pdf) – A workbook published by The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
