Whiteboard Discussion on Social Impact in the Arts

Notes from the Whiteboard Discussion

Social Impact

• Telling the Story:

  • Importance of how narratives shape perceptions of social impact.
  • Consideration of who tells the story and the framing involved.

• Path & Pipelines:

  • Critical for artists to navigate their careers effectively.
  • Understanding institutional frameworks can empower artists to find their paths.

• What is Agency:

  • Exploration of individual and collective power within the arts.
  • Agency should be defined within context and community involvement.

• Language of Action:

  • Discuss the terminology used in advocacy and policy-making.
  • Language shapes the understanding and effectiveness of actions taken.

Evaluation

• Systems Thinking:

  • Incorporates a holistic view of the impact within interconnected systems.
  • Useful for addressing complex social issues in the arts.

• Fragmentation of Funding:

  • Highlights the complications artists face with diverse funding sources.
  • Discuss ways to unify or streamline funding processes.

Research

• New Work & Community:

  • Identifying how community-driven projects differ from traditional art models.
  • The impact of collaborative, artist-led initiatives on broader communities.

• Facilitation & Investment:

  • Exploring the importance of investing in collaborative projects.
  • Understanding what artists really need to thrive in collaboration.

• Art is Not Sport:

  • Discussion on intrinsic vs. extrinsic value of art.
  • Importance of recognizing artistic contributions beyond mere entertainment.

Additional Ideas

• Articulation of Value & Mechanisms for Community:

  • How can communities better understand and articulate the value of art?
  • Discuss potential frameworks for community engagement through art.

• Research Funding:

  • Emphasis on building connections between researchers and artists.
  • Explore ways to fund and support research initiatives in the arts.

Summary Table

Reference: