• home |
• about |
• people |
• joining |
• history |
• contact us |  
• CDN events |
• publications |
• projects | 
• e-bulletin |
• resources | links

 

HOT LINKS

Forthcoming events:
Homelessness & Cultural Democracy
•

Making the Case for Culture: Creative City Network of Canada
•

Poems about Community Spaces
& other papers from Connecting Schools & Communities conferences, June 2008
•

Meet, Meld, Merge Art Bringing a Community Together:
the Toil Art Project, in Yea, N.E. Victoria
•

Home Lands: Internet TV program which connects young refugees to their home lands
•

The Agenda 21 for Culture is the first document with worldwide mission that advocates establishing the groundwork of an undertaking by cities and local governments for cultural development.
•

 

Search the CDN site:

Cultural Policy and Social Impact

New readings | Regular reading list

This is a fairly comprehensive list of publications that you’ll find useful if you're interested in finding out about or developing cultural policy.

Writing with communities: is this meant to be a career?
After eleven years of practice as a writer working with communities, Melbourne artist Angela Costi reflects on the milestones and challenges'

Report on the Economic Value of Culture in the Pacific region
This report, commissioned by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Cultural Management and written by the Research Centre Limited (CultralMARC) and McDermott Miller Limited, aims to provide a framework for the economic valuation of culture in the Pacific region. The SPC Cultural Affairs Programme has been implementing the strategies developed by the Council of Pacific Arts 'to preserve and promote their heritage for future generations'.
This has led to recognition of significant associated financial-economic issues, including marketing the arts, operation and viability of cultural industries, the role of culture in economic and social development and the economic value of culture to each member country. SPC’s review of these issues revealed the importance of information about them as a foundation to any policy development. One step taken by SPC in this direction has been to seek to design a framework for the economic valuation of culture in the Pacific.

ASEAN Culture Week: Issues in the Assessment of Regional Cultural Events
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, is an organization devoted to increasing cooperation and development between the member countries of the region. ASEAN’s Culture Week, launched in 2002 and held for the second time in August 2004, is a collaborative festival of performances, art displays and cultural demonstrations. The objectives for and evaluation of Culture Week will be examined based on the proposal for the 2004 event, and press statements and media coverage of the events of both 2002 and 2004. The reasons for the staging of cooperative cultural events of this scale, and the relationship between the event, the cultural practitioners, and government officials will be analysed, revealing whether a jointly organized celebration of regional cultural diversity is merely that, or whether it can be used to achieve specific goals. The various dimensions to the event purpose will be brought to light through the process of assessment.
Sunitha Janamohanan, Freelance author, Columbia University, New York

Indicators of Community Strength in Victoria
This report by Department of Victorian Communities describes time trend and small area information about community strength in Victoria. The time trend information shows that many indicators of community strength have increased over the last three years. The report also examines the types of people who are faring best in terms of two of the key indicators of community strength. It shows that people who participate in community activities and those that can get help when needed are healthier and feel more positive about the communities in which they live. The final section of this report examines, for the first time in Victoria, the beginnings of an analysis of community strength data at the local government area level. Results of a pilot study show that there is considerable difference between areas. It appears that this data will be a useful tool for selecting community strengthening initiatives that can have the highest impact by taking into account the different character of areas.

Acorns – a fortnightly email bulletin Sydney: International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies,
Contains news from national arts agencies, general arts news from all over the world, employment opportunities, new publications and upcoming events – and it’s free.

art+medicine Sydney: iMedia Asia Pacific P/L,
Creative health magazine for doctors that claims to be a world first – devoted to the subject of arts and health and the positive impact that arts has on health and wellbeing – for both clinician and patients.
Utilisation of the arts in healthcare is no longer viewed as an alternative approach; rather it is increasingly seen as an essential part of holistic healthcare that encompasses medical treatments, therapy, medication, diet and exercise. The arts can help adjust to living with a medical condition.
The magazine has sponsorship support from the Australia Council for the Arts, which also recently released its own book on Art and Wellbeing. Jennifer Bott, CEO of the Australia Council, states that “creativity is inextricably linked to our wellbeing – people’s lives are changed, and communities and cultures strengthened, whenever imagination is encouraged”.

Artwork
The magazine of ccd in Australia. Possibly the best archive of writings on ccd. The most recent issues: No. 57; Arts, Health and Wellbeing (Dec ’03), includes a review of Thiele & Marsden’s latest book (see below), and No 56; the wide world of community cultural development (Aug ’03), contains a review of Adams & Golbard’s work (see below)

Councils Enhancing Culture: Report on the Regional Distinctiveness Project with NSW Councils Sydney: Local Government & Shires Association of NSW, 1997

Culture – A Sense of Place: Final Report of the MAV’s Cultural Development Project in Victoria, 1994-1996 Melbourne: Municipal Association of Victoria, 1997

Making Connections: Culture and Social Cohesion in the New Millennium Canadian Journal of Communication Vol 27 (Nos 2 & 3), Spring, 2002 (399pp)
22 revised and updated presentations from the Edmonton (Canada), May 2000 conference of the same name. Whilst predominantly conceptual in viewpoint, it is a mine of useful material.

Overland, Issue 174, Autumn 2004 (144pp)
Contains a 30 page supplement of material from the Beyond Cultural Policy symposium held in July, 2003.

Adams, D & Goldbard, A (eds), Community, Culture and Globalization New York: Rockefeller Foundation, 2002 (376pp)
The outcome of the May, 2001 Bellagio gathering of CCD artists and activists hosted by the RF. 20 essays by CCD practitioners from all over the world.

Adams, D & Goldbard, A, Creative Community: The Arts of Cultural Development New York: Rockefeller Foundation, 2002 (376pp)
The outcome of the May, 2001 Bellagio gathering of CCD artists and activists hosted by the RF. 20 essays by CCD practitioners from all over the world.

Appleton, D, A Place at the Table? Culture and Leisure in Modern Local Government London: Local Government Association, May, 2002 (20pp)
Explanatory paper for UK local government members and officers on ‘how culture can meet the broader objectives of local authorities’. ‘Cultural services are at the forefront of contributing to the cross cutting agendas of social inclusion, health, crime, education, regeneration and quality of life’.

Arts Queensland, Creative Queensland: the Queensland Government Cultural Policy 2002 Brisbane: Queensland Government, October, 2002 (27pp)
‘A whole-of-Government framework to underpin the Government’s investment in arts and cultural development’. It makes reference to community wellbeing, the knowledge economy, community capacity, sense of identity, social cohesion and participation in the arts.

Bartholomew, L, The Social and Cultural Impacts of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Adelaide Melbourne: unpublished thesis, November, 2001 (33pp)
Case study. LB puts impact indicators into practice. Available from Lindy Bartholomew

Bennett, T, Culture: A Reformer’s Science Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1998

Binns, V (ed), Community and the Arts: History, Theory and Practice Sydney: Pluto Press, 1991
One of the few (possibly the only) collections of essays about community arts in Australia.

Blake Stevenson Ltd (Kay, A & Watt, G), The Role of the Arts in Regeneration (Development Department Research Programme Research Findings No. 96) Edinburgh: Scottish Executive Central Research Unit, 2000 (Summary: 5pp)
‘Provides a wealth of material relating to the evaluation of arts projects and their impact’. It is based on an ‘extensive literature review and four in-depth case studies’. Concludes with 8 sensible recommendations.

Bradford, G & Gary, M (eds), The Politics of Culture: Essays for a New Field New Press with Center for Arts and Culture, 2000 (288pp)
Publication from Washington DC (USA) based Center for Arts and Culture (see our overseas links). From a US perspective, examines many of the big questions in the cultural policy field.

Brecknock, R, Creative Councils Programme Report 1995 Adelaide: Local Government Association of South Australia, 1998

Bridgwood, A, Social inclusion: policy and research in the arts; paper presented to the 2nd International Conference on Cultural Policy Research Wellington: January, 2002 (13pp)
Brief history of government initiated research into the arts and social inclusion followed by an analysis of the problems surrounding research, evaluation and instrumental arts policies.
Used to be downloadable from the web but no longer locatable. Ann Bridgwood may be contacted at: ann.bridgwood@artscouncil.org.uk

Bringing Communities Together Through Sport and Culture London: DCMS, September, 2004 (16pp)
UK Secretary of State Tessa Jowell today (23/9/2004) launched a new booklet providing practical advice to local authorities and other organisations on how to use culture and sport in their areas to build community cohesion.
In her Foreword, Tessa Jowell says:
“Authorities, agencies and community groups are increasingly focused on how the arts, sports and museums can support communities in improving the quality of local life.
“We must now use these networks of expertise and enthusiasm to meet the changing needs of young people and their communities and make sporting and cultural initiatives work in the future.”
Five aspects of using sport and culture to build community cohesion are highlighted in the booklet: needs analysis; partnerships; growing and adapting projects; evidence and evaluation; and celebration. Celebration is described as the x-factor which explains why communities respond so well to artistic, cultural and sporting initiatives.
The UK’s DCMS, as the lead department for sport and culture, now intends to build on the work with its agencies and key departments such as the Home Office and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to support grass roots initiatives and local needs more flexibly.

Capturing Cultural Value: How culture has become a tool of government policy
Demos/John Holden, United Kingdom
more information
This new report from John Holden, (head of culture at Demos, chair of The Anvil in Basingstoke and a member of the management committee of the Clore Leadership Programme) demonstrates alternate ways of valuing culture by drawing on disciplines as diverse as brand valuation by accountants and the language of sustainability used by environmentalists.

Carpenter, E, The Arts and Inclusion: Evaluation of London Arts Board’s 1998/99 Regional Challenge Programme London: London Arts Board, November, 1999 (40pp)
Evaluation of six arts projects as to the ‘quality of the participative processes’. Projects had been funded under a program ‘directed at the arts and socially excluded communities’.

City of Port Phillip, Corporate Plan 2002-2006 Melbourne: City of Port Phillip, September, 2002
A recent local government planning framework based on ‘the four pillars of sustainability’ - cultural vitality, social equity, environmental responsibility & economic viability.

Coalter, F, Realising the Potential of Cultural Services - The Case for the Arts London: Local Government Association, November, 2001 (37pp)
‘Provides evidence of the potential of arts provision to contribute to a range of social policy issues’ (the usual suspects). Discusses a range of projects. Excellent bibliography

Coombes, P & Cook, N (project directors), Local Government Cultural Development Collaborative Benchmarking: National Demonstration Project Sydney: Australian Local Government Association & Australia Council, 1997

Cox, E, A Truly Civil Society: 1995 Boyer Lectures Sydney: ABC Books, 1995
Our very own expert on social capital

Craik, J (ed), Cultural Policy Case Studies Brisbane: Australian Key Centre for Culture & Media Studies, 1997

Cranney, P P & Chance, I, Roads, Rates, Renaissance: Local Government in the Arts in the Nineties Adelaide: SA Community Arts Network, 1993

Cultural Connections: cultural services and better public service delivery London: Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), May, 2004
From IDeA – a subsidiary of the UK Local Government Association. It describes over 50 projects undertaken by local authorities in response to the provision of local government shared priorities, and demonstrates how cultural services across the country are successfully delivering high quality results across more mainstream services areas. Also check out their 3/04 publication ‘A year of liveability challenges 2004/5’.

Cunningham, S, Framing Culture: Culture and Policy in Australia Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1992

DCAL, Face to Face: A Vision for Arts and Culture in Northern Ireland Belfast: Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, June, 2001
References to this document (and another DCAL brochure entitled Culture Can) would lead one to believe that the Northern Ireland government has an impressive handle on cultural issues. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to find downloads of either.

DCAL, Unlocking creativity: making it happen Belfast: Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, June, 2001 (45pp)
In November 2000 DCAL released ‘Unlocking Creativity - A Strategy for Development’, a proposal for cross-government initiative to ‘develop the capacities of all our people for creativity and innovation’. This document is the implementation framework. The concepts and language are accessible, the intentions clear.

DCMS, Arts and Sport; Policy Action Team 10: A Report to the Social Exclusion Unit London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport, 1999 (Chapter 1: 14pp)
Emphasises the importance of participation in ‘address(ing) neighbourhood renewal by improving communities’ “performance” on the ... indicators of Health, Crime, Employment and Education’. Draws conclusions on the basis of a range of case studies. Identifies barriers and makes recommendations to overcome them.

DCMS, Building on PAT 10: Progress Report on Social Inclusion London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport, February, 2001 (84pp)
The Department's response to the Policy Action Team 10's report. Includes notes on inter-departmental initiatives (Health, Education, Local Government et al), actions by the Arts Council (the equivalent of the AusCncl), development of evaluation programs, partnerships, etc.

DCMS, Creating Opportunities: Guidance for Local Authorities in England on Local Cultural Strategies London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport, December, 2000 (40pp)
Central government’s detailed advice to local government on the why and how of the development of a local cultural strategy.

DCMS, Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport, March, 2001 (52pp)
Green Paper on ‘ways to liberate and develop the talent we need in the areas of culture and the media’.

DCMS, Culture at the Heart of Regeneration London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport, June, 2004 (59pp)
Consultation Paper on the regenerative effects of large cultural buildings as well as smaller community initiatives. It assesses the economic and social benefits of cultural regeneration, and poses a series of questions designed to build up the body of evidence and to engage a wide range of stakeholders.

Delgado, E, Towards Indicators for Urban and Community Cultural Development Paper presented to the Convergence, Creative Industries and Civil Society Conference Nottingham: September, 2001
Delgado bio and one para description is downloadable but paper as yet unsighted

Eckersley, R, well & good: how we feel & why it matters Melbourne: Text, 2004 (311pp)
An examination of ‘what makes us happy and gives us meaning; what sustains us in good health’. Eckersley’s background as a scientific researcher means that his humanism is grounded in factual information. A useful source of well-tempered arguments.

Edgar, D, The Patchwork Nation: re-thinking government - re-building community Sydney: HarperCollins, 2001 (220pp)
‘Calls for a culture change ... towards a culture of belonging, a culture of respect fro others, who may be unlike ourselves in terms ethnicity, education level and values but whose common humanity requires respect and the encouragement of inclusion’.

Edwards, L, How to Argue with an Economist Sydney: Cambridge University Press, 2002 (172pp)
An extremely accessible reflection on how economic rationalism has become the dominant worldview and how it ‘systematically overlooks important social issues and ... transforms Australian culture’.

Engwicht, D, Street Reclaiming: Creating Livable Streets and Vibrant Communities Sydney: Pluto Press, 1999
A practical guide for direct community action.

Eryl Morgan Publications P/L, Creative Futures, Arts and Cultural Development: a Local Government Strategy for Integrated Planning; a Synopsis Sydney: Australia Council’s Community Cultural Development Unit & Commonwealth Office of Local Government, 1991

European Task Force on Culture and Development, In From the Margins: a contribution to the debate on culture and development Strasbourg: Council of Europe,
Produced by an independent group of policy makers, researchers and cultural managers, this book is a contribution to the debate initiated by the World Commission on Culture and Development (UN/UNESCO) on the role of culture within society. It addresses various questions such as bridging the global cultural gap, mobilising human resources through culture and living and working in the communications society. Includes case studies, statistics and indicators.

Evans, G. & Shaw, P, The Contribution of Culture to Regeneration in the UK: A review of evidence; A report to the DCMS London: London Metropolitan University, January, 2004 (77pp)
A deeply serious and intensely researched paper (with a comprehensive bibliography)

Florida, R, The Rise of the Creative Class North Melbourne: Pluto Press, 2003 (404pp)
Demonstrates how those who use creativity in their work make decisions about where they live based on the quality of the socio-cultural environment (rather than where work is available). This means that the ‘creative industries’ go to where the workers are rather than vice-versa. Has huge implications for cities wishing to attract those industries.

Gleeson, B & Low, N, Australian Urban Planning: New Challenges, New Agendas Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1998
A book about planning that is readable and, what’s more, inspirational.

Government of Victoria, Mapping our Culture: a Policy for Victoria Melbourne: Victorian Ministry for the Arts, 1991
A policy that was never implemented but nevertheless one of the few examples of a policy based on a comprehensive understanding of the extent of culture.

Grogan, D & Mercer, C, The Cultural Planning Handbook: An Essential Australian Guide Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1995
Nearly a decade old, but still a useful tool.

Guppy, M (ed), Better Places, Richer Communities: Cultural Planning & Local Development, A Practical Guide (Revised Edition) Sydney: Australia Council, 1997
One of the (few) standard texts.

Hamilton, C, Growth Fetish Crows Nest: Allen & Unwin, 2003 (262pp)
The Director of the Australia Institute argues that constant economic growth causes far more problems than it solves and that wellbeing lies not with material wealth but with the opportunity for ‘human fulfilment and self-realisation’. His background as an analyst of public policy means that his arguments make good advocacy tools.

Hawkes, J, The Fourth Pillar of Sustainability: Culture’s essential role in public planning Melbourne: Common Ground & the Cultural Development Network, 2001 (70pp)
Stresses the belief that the way a society governs itself cannot be fully democratic without there being avenues for the expression of community values, and advocates the need to reintroduce the notion of culture into the language of politicians and policy makers. Explores the different ways in which culture affects and relates to patterns of human activities, illustrates practical ways in which culture can be applied to public policy as well as featuring examples of models that can be drawn upon from around the world. Contains a comprehensive list of arts indicators adapted from the RMC Research Corporation.

Hawkins, G, From Nimbin to Mardi Gras: Constructing Community Arts Sydney:: Allen & Unwin, 1993 (189pp)
Examines ‘the formation and impacts of the Community Arts Program of the Australia Council’. A groundbreaking work in the study of Australian cultural policy.

Health Development Agency, Art for Health: A review of good practice in community-based arts projects and initiatives which impact on health and wellbeing London: HDA, 2000 (69pp)
Comprehensive analysis of practice with excellent recommendations.

Holden, J, Creative Reading London: Demos, 2004
Nurturing creativity is a key element of education. For society, creativity is a major driver for economic growth. For individuals, it can be a powerful means of realising human potential. Holden argues that far from being passive and receptive, reading is a creative activity in itself, and is the cornerstone of other creative processes. A love of reading can be more influential on young people’s success at school than parental wealth or social class.
Public libraries are therefore uniquely placed to help foster creativity among young people. They provide free access to learning and an opportunity for independent activity, in an environment which is separate from the more structured experience of home and school.
However, they face many challenges in achieving their full potential. In order to create truly creative spaces, libraries, schools, government and the cultural sector will all need to work together to engage young people, and to build on existing services.
Can public libraries continue to be relevant in the internet age? Rising visitor numbers suggest that they can. Although often forgotten players in the creativity debate, they can play an important role in equipping young people with the skills they need to move beyond literacy and to play a role in our creative economy.

Holden, J & Hewison, R, The Right to Art London: Demos, 2004 (17pp)
A ‘Right to Art’ is enshrined in the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But what does it mean in the contemporary world? Can we still talk about ‘rights’ in this way, and if we can, how is ‘the right to art’ dealt with in policy and in practice?
In particular, how can we raise the appreciation and status of visual art in contemporary society in order to give greater meaning to such a universal right?
In this paper, written with the support of the UK Visual Arts and Galleries Association, the authors argue:
  •That as a signatory to the UN Declaration the British government has a responsibility to make this aspiration a reality.
  •Current policies preach the principle of universal access to visual art, but this is not being achieved in practice.
  •Not just cultural policy, but educational policy must address the problem of society’s lack of visual literacy.
  •The contribution of visual artists to the economy is underestimated and misunderstood.
  •To encourage visual literacy and the exercise of the right to art, a new language must inform public policy.
  •That language is the language of public value, where the instrumental drives of social and economic policy find a new context in the moral, creative and collective values expressed by the right to art.

International Journal of Cultural Policy
The IJCP comes out three times a year with a wide range of material on cultural issues, usuallly in the form of half a dozen essays. The most recent (Vol 10, No 3, Nov ’04) looks at cultural policy in Taiwan, Singapore, China and France. 10/2 examined creativity, health and art and cultural auditing (as separate issues); 10/1 explored ‘urban space and the uses of culture.’

Jackson, A, Evaluation Toolkit for the Voluntary and Community Arts in Northern Ireland Bath, UK: Annabel Jackson Associates, November, 2004
The Arts Councal of Northern Ireland has commissioned this toolkit to help arts organisations assess their work and its social impact.
The kit, which is downloadle from this site, provides a consistent and sympathetic method of measurement and will help groups to enhance areas of their practice and to offer up accurate, evidence-based data in support of advocacy work.

Jermyn, H, The Arts and Social Exclusion London: Arts Council of England, 2001
Reviews the social impact of the arts and the evaluation thereof. Includes coverage of health and wellbeing. Discusses a range of projects. Excellent bibliography.

Jordan, J, Revealing the Heart of our Communities: the Queensland Local Government Cultural Development Strategy Brisbane: Local Government Association of Queensland, 1996

Kelly, A & Kelly, M, Impact and Values, Assessing the Arts and Creative Industries in the South West Bristol: Bristol Cultural Development Partnership, 2000
(as yet unsighted)

Kelly, O, Community, Art and the State: Storming the Citadels London: Comedia, 1984 (140pp)
A radical British view of the development of the community arts movement. Despite its age, it remains one of the most cogent analyses of community-based arts practice around.

Kins, A & Peddie, B, Planning a Complete Community: a Cultural Planning Guide for Local Government Perth: Community Arts Network WA, 1996

Landry, C, The Creative City: a toolkit for urban innovators Stroud: Comedia / Earthscan, 2000 (300pp)
CL is a leading consultant and advocate on creativity/urban regeneration strategies. Has visited Australia often. This is his most comprehensive work so far.

Landry, C et al, The Art of Regeneration: urban renewal through cultural activity Stroud: Comedia,, 1996 (73pp)
Emphasises value of participatory arts activities in its summary of community-led renewal in British cities.

Lewis, B & Caswell, G (eds), Creative Solutions: the use of arts in regeneration Pontrefract: Pontefract Press, 2001
Collection of essays from the June 2001 Creative Solutions conference in Bolton, UK. Describes ‘how towns and cities have used the arts as one of the tools in a process to develop sustainable communities, diversify local economies, build capacity in skills and resources and improve the urban environment’.

Local Government Association, All Together Now: a Survey of Local Authority Approaches to Social Inclusion and Anti-poverty London: Local Government Association, April, 2001 (Summary: 5pp)
Survey of all English & Welsh LGAs (410); 72% response. No indication from the summary as to how many LGAs applied arts in their strategies, nor of their success.

Local Government Association, Cultural Exchange: the contribution of cultural services to modernised local government London: Local Government Association, March, 2002 (Summary: 3pp)
57% of the 410 LGAs responded to this survey. 82% of respondents had, or were developing, a Local Cultural Strategy (including performance indicators). 73% noted that cultural services made a ‘considerable contribution’ to community development.

Local Government Association, Cultural Services and the Shared Priorities London: Local Government Association, January, 2004 (29pp)
‘Highlights the impact that cultural services have had across communities and how they have contributed to the multiple needs of communities from inner city areas to the more remote communities ... uses practical examples to show how culture has impacted on every area of local government and how it has improved service delivery and quality of life.’

Local Government Association, LGA Cultural Services Conference - ‘Cultural Services: the power to connect’ London: Local Government Association, March, 2003
Guide to presentations

Local Government Association, Tackling Poverty and Social Inclusion Through Cultural Services: A Toolkit for Local Authorities London: Local Government Association, October, 2001
Through ‘practical examples of how to integrate cultural services as a key contributor to social inclusion and modernising agendas’ this kit ‘reflects the excellent inclusive practice of local councils’ and promotes ‘the important role that cultural services play in tackling poverty, social exclusion and regeneration’.

London Arts, The Art of Well-being: partnership strategy for the arts and health sectors London: London Arts, 2001 (11pp)
Description of the ways in which London Arts (part of the Regional Arts Council network & closely associated - I think - with the Greater London Authority) will develop partnerships with various health agencies. This report used to be downloadable from the web but has now disappeared (there are scores of new sites that come up when googling for London/arts/health/well-being).
London Arts has published a wide range of materials relevant to this topic. These are listed on their website.

Madden, C, Statistical Indicators for Arts Policy Sydney: International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), July, 2004 (30pp)
This IFACCA discussion paper ‘identifies current global resources and work being undertaken on the development of cultural indicators, discusses analytical and co-ordination issues and makes suggestions for future directions.’(includes a comprehensive bibliography).

Marsden, S & Thiele, M, P(ART)icipation and Social Change Paper presented at the 2nd International Conference on Cultural Policy Research, Wellington, New Zealand January, 2002 (7pp)
No longer downloadable and probably now redundant since its inclusion in their new book (see below)
The authors outline the research they are undertaking at the Melbourne-based Artful Dodgers Studio concerning useful practice by artists working with marginalised communities and appropriate approaches by funding agencies to achieve ‘full social change potential’. This paper was re-written as Chapter 1 in their book, Engaging Art: The Artful Dodgers studio, a theoretical model of practice (see below under Thiele).

Marsden, S & Thiele, M, Risking Art: Art for Survival; Outlining the Role of the Arts in services to marginalised young people Melbourne Melbourne: Jesuit Social Services, 2000 (72pp)
Description and analysis of thirteen ongoing arts programs hosted by a range of welfare agencies.

Matarasso, F, Beyond Book Issues: The Social Potential of Library Projects Stroud: Comedia, 1998 (58pp)
‘Draws on projects submitted to the Holt Jackson/Library Association Community Initiative Awards to assess the extent to which these projects produce social benefits. It finds substantial outcomes for personal and community development. The study also concludes that existing library performance indicators are an inadequate management tool for the library of the 21st century, given its educational, leisure and community development functions. It encourages consideration of the introduction of a form of local management of libraries, and of a separation of the existing role of librarians into two professional specialisms’.

Matarasso, F, Culture Makes Communities: Address to the Culture Makes Communities Conference Swansea, Wales: July, 1999
Articulate summary of the relationship between arts and community development

Matarasso, F, Defining Values: evaluating arts programmes (Social Impact of the Arts: Working Paper 1) Stroud: Comedia, 1996 (31pp)
he first broad statement in Matarasso’s ongoing social impact project. It explores ‘the key ethical and practical issues which arise from any attempt to assess the social value of the arts’.

Matarasso, F, Learning Development: Valuing the social impact of libraries Stroud: Comedia, 1998 (54pp)
Introduction to the challenges facing library services as they face their potential to take a central place in the modern community development and learning environment.

Matarasso, F, Local Government and the arts: A vision for partnership London: Arts Council England, March, 2003 (14pp)
Outline of the ongoing relationship between the Arts Council (our equivalent of the Australia Council) and local government in England.

Matarasso, F, Northern Lights: The Social Impact of the Feisean (Gaelic Festival) (Social Impact of the Arts: Working Paper 6) Stroud: Comedia, 1996 (40pp)
Case study of these traditional music festivals examining their impact on ‘community development including empowerment, social cohesion and local identity’.

Matarasso, F, Poverty and Oysters: The Social Impact of Local Arts Development in Portsmouth Stroud: Comedia, 1998 (70pp)
‘Focuses on the potential contribution of the arts to a city's anti-poverty strategy. The report gives a detailed account of six arts programs, describing their impact on personal and community development and showing how the outcomes relate to the City Council's campaign to tackle social exclusion and poverty in the city’.

Matarasso, F (ed)), Recognising Culture: a series of briefing papers on culture and development Stroud: Comedia, 2001 (96pp)
Ten essays linking culture with a wide range of policy areas (governance, human rights, social culture, education, health, economics, tourism, etc).

Matarasso, F, Regular Marvels, A handbook for animateurs, practitioners and development workers Leicester: Community Dance and Mime Foundation, 1995
As yet unsighted

Matarasso, F, Towards a Culture Index: Measuring the Cultural Vitality of Communities Stroud: Comedia, 1999 (16pp)
Identifies over fifty specific indicators that local authorities could use for measuring arts development

Matarasso, F, Use or Ornament? The Social Impact of Participation in the Arts Stroud: Comedia, 1997 (107pp)
The groundbreaking text on the topic. Remains one of the most useful tools.

Matarasso, F and Halls, S (eds), The Art of Regeneration Nottingham City Council & Comedia, 1996
As yet unsighted

Matarasso, F with Chell, J, Vital Signs: Mapping community arts in Belfast Stroud: Comedia, 1998 (70pp)
‘Uses a series of indicators to establish benchmarks for projects in relation to community development and regeneration, and for the impact of participation on individuals. Over 50 projects and 100 participants are included in the sample, from all parts of the city, and representing all kinds and scales of community based arts work. The resulting report breaks new ground and contains a body of information about the extent and impact of the community arts sector in Belfast unmatched elsewhere’.

Media International Australia Brisbane, Queensalnd:
Quarterly cultural policy journal with, as the name suggests, a strong focus on media issues. Nevertheless, it consistently addresses wide cultural matters, For example, its Aug, ’04 issue, entitled ‘Creative Networks’, contains over a dozen essays examining varoius aspects of the creative industries.

McKenzie, S, Social sustainability: towards some definitions Magill: Hawke Centre, University of South Australia, 2004 (31pp)
This working paper explores some of the current thinking around social sustainability and attempts to provide a framework for future discussions of the social sustainability agenda within the institute. The paper focuses on social sustainability as distinct from environmental or economic sustainability, as previous all-encompassing definitions of sustainability that include all three aspects have been too broad to be usefully applied in specific contexts. It also argues the need for a careful evaluation of the process of defining social sustainability. In order for such a process to be fruitful we should consider why we need a definition (or definitions), and what sort of definitions will be most useful for the purposes of research collaboration.

McQueen-Thomson, D & Ziguras, C, Cultures of Wellbeing: A Review of Evidence for the Health Benefits of Community Arts Practice Melbourne: Globalism Institute, RMIT University, July, 2002 (41pp)
Commissioned by VicHealth, it reviews the work of Williams (1997), Matarasso (1997), H Chambers’s 1998 analysis of arts in health promotion, M Stern’s 1999 analysis of the Social Impact of the Arts Project in Philadelphia, DCMS (1999), Carpenter (1999), Health Development Agency (2000) & P Shaw’s 2001 examination of creative connections between arts and business. Uses Jermyn (2001) and Coalter (2001) as constant reference points. Released before Reeves (2002).the review concludes that the wellbeing outcomes (from a professional 'health' perspective) are not as effectively proven as, for example, 'wider social issues' such as social capital. Makes very useful recommendations for future research.

Mills, D, Cultural Planning: A handbook for Local Government (second draft) Sydney: State Government of NSW, June, 2003
The most recent Australian State Government attempt to encourage local governments to develop formal cultural planning processes.

Mills, D & Brown, P, Art and Wellbeing Sydney: Australia Council, 2004
Assembles ideas and case study material that demonstrates connections between community cultural development and government ‘wellbeing’ initiatives. Can be downloaded free or free hardcopy ordered. This superbly presented book is a powerful advocacy tool.

New Village: Building Sustainable Futures San Francisco:
Issue no. 4 is entitled ‘Strengthening Community Through the Arts’ and includes pieces on: Art for Social Change, Growing Grassroots Youth Arts, Cultural Heritage and Celebration, The Citizen Artist, The Arts as Economic Engine, The Art of Natural Building, Art for the People, By the People, Animating Civic Dialogue and Artists as Environmental Activists.

O’Hara, S, hands ON!: Practices and Projects Supported by the Community Cultural Development Board (2nd edition) Sydney: Australia Council, 2002 (27pp)
Glossy and copiously illustrated promotional brochure from the main source of Commonwealth arts funding for community development. Includes description of projects as a way into explaining the nature and purpose of community cultural development as it is understood by the funding agency.

Ohlin, J, A Change of Culture: Local Governments Planning for Quality of Life, a Report on Integrated Planning with a Focus on Cultural Development Hobart: Municipal Association of Tasmania & the Australian Local Government Association, 1992

Phillip Institute of Technology Project Team, Local Government’s Role in Arts and Cultural Development Melbourne: Local Government & Arts Task Force, 1991

Public Art Public Housing Melbourne: North Richmond Community Health Centre, Cultural Development Network & Neighbourhood Renewal (DHS), December, 2004 (70pp), Pitts, G.
A vibrant celebration of cultural activities in Victorian metropolitan and regional public housing estates since 1999. The author calls the book ‘a tribute to the resilient optimism of the many residents who have instigated, guided and participated in cultural projects and programs. In doing so they have reached out to others in their own community; demanded or sought the understanding of the world outside; defied many forms of stereotyping; educated the artsworkers with whom they work; and re-asserted the age-old importance of public and community self-expression. Without such residents, nothing is possible.’
If you wish to be sent a free copy of this beautiful publication, email Kim Dunphy

Pusey, M, The Experience of Middle Australia: The Dark Side of Economic Reform Sydney: Cambridge University Press, 2003 (244pp)
‘Mounts a moral and intellectual counter-argument to economic reform’ through meticulously researching 400 middle Australians’ experience of work, family and community.

Putnam, R D, Bowling Alone: the collapse and revival of American community New York: Touchstone, 2000 (540pp)
The guru of social capital devotes one para to ‘cultural activity’ (p411), by which he means the arts. Nevertheless, this is an extremely useful volume demonstrating the persuasive power of applied measurement of social behaviour.

QUEST, Making it Count: the Contribution of Culture and Sport to Social Inclusion London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport, 2002 (37pp)
The most recent and comprehensive survey and analysis of UK efforts to standardise the evaluation of the connections between culture and social inclusion. Fantastic summaries of research and indicators. Excellent bibliography.

Resource Guides for Arts Programming With Older People: The National Center for Creative Aging in the US has published a series of resource guides concerning arts programming for older people. The four guides deal with a range of topics from theatre and visual arts through to more generalised art forms. Specific topics are;
- reminscence-based theatre
- transforming memory into visual art
- using memory as a generational bridging tool
- generating community, for using reminiscence to overcome social and generational gaps, utilising a wide variety of art forms.
Also published is a guide to incorporating the arts in dementia care.
The National Center for Creative Aging is an advocacy and training group formally established in 2001. It seeks to promote the relationship between creative expression and the quality of life of older people, irrespective of economic status, age, and physical or mental health.
more information

Reeves, M, Measuring the economic and social impact of the arts: a review London: Arts Council of England, March, 2002 (150pp)
Key document; summarises history, reviews research, highlights issues. Extremely comprehensive bibliography.

Shaw, P, Arts Research Seminar Report: No 1: Measuring the Impact of Culture?; arts research digest Newcastle: University of Northumbria, June, 2000 (2pp)
Report on a one day seminar discussing the ‘the impact of research on practice in the cultural sector’. It concludes with an observation that now may be the time to be focussing on measuring ‘cultural impact’.

Shaw, P, The Arts and Neighbourhood Renewal; a literature review to inform the work of Policy Action Team 10 London: DCMS, 1999
As yet unsighted

Sonn, C, Drew, N M & Kasat, P, Conceptualising CCD: The Role of Cultural Planning in Community Change Perth, Western Australia: Community Arts Network of WA, 2002
As yet unsighted

Staricoff, R, Arts in health: a review of the medical literature London: Arts Council England, September, 2004 (89pp)
Covers material published between 1990 and 2004: explores the relationship of the arts and humanities to healthcare and the influence and effects of the arts on health.

Stevenson, D, Arts and Organisation: Making Australian Cultural Policy Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 2000

Strom, E, Strengthening Communities Through Culture Washington: Centre for Arts & Culture, 2001

Thiele, M & Marsden, S, Engaging Art: The Artful Dodgers Studio; A Theoretical Model of Practice Richmond: Jesuit Social Services, 2003 (120pp)
‘Effectively a companion piece to Risking Art [see above under Marsden]. It represents the culmination of three years’ work examining the role of arts as a framework for socially engaging young people’

Throsby, D, Economics and Culture Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001 (224pp)
DT, an enlightened economist, has led the research on the economic impact of the arts in Australia. His view of ‘the economy’ has always been much broader than mere financial matters and his commitment to cultural development is total. ‘This book brings together two very disparate areas, economics and culture, considering both the economic aspects of cultural activity, and the cultural context of economics and economic behaviour. The author discusses how cultural goods are valued in both economic and cultural terms, and introduces the concepts of cultural capital and sustainability. The book goes on to discuss the economics of creativity in the production of cultural goods and services; culture in economic development; the cultural industries; and cultural policy’.

Williams, D, How the Arts Measure Up: Australian Research into the Social Impact of the Arts (Social Impact of the Arts Working Paper 8) Stroud: Comedia, 1997 (35pp)
Groundbreaking Australian work on the topic

Wills, J, Just, Vibrant, Sustainable Communities: A Framework for Progressing & Measuring Community Wellbeing Townsville: Local Government Community Services of Australia, 2001 (137pp)
lternatively titled ‘Pocket Guide to Community Indicators for Australian Local Government’ this guide proposes a ‘wellbeing framework ... premised on a holistic approach to community development that integrates social, cultural, economic and environmental development’. It refers to ‘cultural values’ at one point, as being ‘articulated in declarations’. It goes on to lump ‘social and cultural’ together as one of three ‘community wellbeing dimensions’ and then proposes ‘arts and cultural development’ as one of seven components of a ‘community wellbeing package’. I’m confused.

Wollheim, B, Culture makes communities Joseph Rowntree Foundation, January, 1998
Video featuring ‘six projects from the North of England (that) demonstrate how arts projects can lead to a significant energising of communities’

World Commission on Culture and Diversity, Our Creative Diversity Paris: UNESCO, 1995
Five chapters aredownloadable. Full of wonderful rhetoric. For example: ‘Culture’s role is not exhausted as a servant of ends - though in a narrower sense of the concept this is one of its roles - but it is the social basis of the ends themselves. Development and the economy are part of a people’s culture’. An excellent note on which to conclude.

Zukin, S, Dialogue on urban cultures: globalization and culture in an urbanizing world September, 2004 (13pp)
Zukin, the author of Loft Living: Culture and Capital in Urban Change, prepared this paper for the second session of the World Urban Forum held in Barcelona in. In it, she ‘discusses ways in which culture, in the context of globalization, is influencing social and economic patterns and processes all over the world.’
A report (Nov, ’04) from the Forum can be downloaded from their site.