Participation in Arts and Cultural Activities
Indicator Rationale
Most types of arts involvement have a social dimension that is an important basis for building social capital and community identity. The arts, through their communicative power, enhance individual engagement with the world in ways that have both personal and public benefits. These effects are instrumental in that they can open people to life and create the fabric of shared values and meanings that improves the public sphere. Collective artistic activity has the potential to provide a forum for voice, affect social change, or promote a community's unique cultural identity.
Participation builds social cohesion and connectedness, thereby reducing isolation. Through building a collective identity, event and cultural facilities also build community strength. Community and cultural events provide a range of socially inclusive activities that contribute to overall community well-being.
Data Source
Community Indicators Victoria Survey 2007
Measure
People Who Participated in Arts and Related Activities in the Last Month: expressed as a percentage of the adult population.
A small number of survey respondents (representing less than 0.1% of the weighted survey estimates across Victoria, and less than 0.5% in every LGA) didn't know or refused to answer the survey question. These respondents have been excluded from the data analysis.
Survey Question
QC1. Now some questions about your local community and some activities you might have participated in. In the last month have you done any of the following activities? Yes; No.
Respondents who answered 'No' to each of the six activities were coded to 'None of the above'.
The measure is based on responses of 'Yes' to any of the items 1-6.
Source of Question
This question was designed in consultation with various stakeholders, following the examination of a variety of related questions asked in other surveys.
Reference
