Participation in Arts and Culture

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

Note: This report is available in its entirety in the Portable Document Format (PDF).

Many arts organizations are discovering that where people choose to attend arts and cultural events can be crucial to developing effective strategies for reaching broader and more diverse audiences. New research on the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds' Community Partnerships for Cultural Participation (CPCP) initiative finds that more people attend arts and cultural events in community venues—such as open air spaces, schools, and places of worship—than in conventional arts venues, such as concert halls, theaters, museums, and art galleries. Although audiences for events held in both types of venues overlap, about one-fourth of the people who participate in arts and culture do so only in community venues.

These findings confirm the wisdom of one strategy employed by many arts organizations: presenting arts and cultural activities in places normally used for other purposes. The findings also have deep relevance for policymakers and funders, as well as those who are interested in cultural planning or facilities development, or are otherwise engaged in creating opportunities for participation in the arts.

Where People Attend Arts and Cultural Events

Previous Urban Institute research has pointed out the many connections between arts and culture, and community. The places, or venues, where arts and culture can be experienced are one key connection.

Note: This report is available in its entirety in the Portable Document Format (PDF).

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

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