The Role of Community Art Projects in Building Social Capital
Resume
Saád is a grad student at the Savannah College of Art and Design majoring in Design Management. His research interests lie in analyzing the social context of design with a particular emphasis on understanding the role of community art projects in promoting social inclusion in urban settings. As Saád continues his educational journey, he is beginning to explore learning opportunities in design thinking that help him to better understand the complexity of the relationships between arts and communities.
Research Problem
Theoretical Framework
There is a repeated claim in the literature that participating in art and cultural works can contribute to a range of social outcomes. For example, community arts programs are said to build social capital by boosting individuals’ ability and motivation to be civically engaged in the community, as well as building organizational capacity for effective action (Joshua Guetzkow, 2002). This is specifically accomplished by increasing the scope of individuals’ social networks and by providing an experience for the organizations involved to enhance their capacities (Michelle Reeves, 2002).
Public art reflects social theory about the place and demonstrates a style that is attributed to the public space in the urban settings. Moreover, it is recognized as an important component of the streetscapes, open spaces, neighbourhoods and building that make up cities, assisting communities to create sense of place and a sense of identity. This research is aimed to achieve deep understanding of the potential role of community public art projects and their abilities to make positive contributions to social capital. The central thesis of social capital theory is that 'relationships matter'. The central idea is that 'social networks are a valuable asset'. Interaction enables people to build communities, to commit themselves to each other, and to knit the social fabric. A sense of belonging and the concrete experience of social networks (and the relationships of trust and tolerance that can be involved) can, it is argued, bring great benefits to people (John Field, 2003).
1. Direct Observation: this method suggests a more detached perspective and more focused. In using this method, the researcher is observing certain sampled situations or people rather than trying to become immersed in the context. 2. In-depth Interviews: include both individual interviews as well as group interviews. 3. Secondary Research: Analysis of the existing manuscripts, including newspapers, books, websites, and annual reports. Likewise, a number of techniques will be used to collect the research data. The main are as follows: 1. Photo/video ethnography – consists of video tapping or photographing specific activities in the user’s life. 2. Photo Journals – consists of giving disposable camera to users and asking them to photograph specific events of their daily activities. 3. Social/cultural trends – to look for social and cultural indicators that could support assumptions about future scenarios. 4. Web survey – web-based survey instrument such as Zoomerang.
Research Plan Figure 1: Relationship between community art and social capital .
Research Questions The present study, explores the role of public art in public space through the following research questions: 1. How public art projects can create opportunities for community engagement? 2. What are the motivations behind individuals’ involvement in the arts? 3. How people use the arts and other forms of creative effort to express their attachment to places? 4. What are the key strategic principles that can help communities build social capital through participating in public art? 5. What are the design implications for using community art to address social issues?
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Methods and Data Collection Techniques
Stage 1:Review of Existing Background Information This stage involves the collection of initial background information needed for the study that will look at relevant policies and practices that affect participation in community art projects. Stag 2: Preliminary Data Collection This is a core data collection stage in which information from research participants will be gathered. During this stage, a contextual inquiry will be carried out. Stage 3: Web Survey As a final stage of information gathering, it is proposed that an online survey to be distributed to individuals who are in key positions to identify current issues facing community art projects. Stage 4: Data Analysis and Preliminary Findings Once the full data have been collected, data analysis will be conducted in developing design solutions to issues that are identified in stages I, II, and III. Stage 5: Final Report and Feedback Presentations A final report will be prepared and will include a set of recommendations and implications for practice.
Figure 2: System map of literature review sources