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The Role of Community Art Projects in Building Social Capital

Research Problem Theoretical Framework

Research Plan

Methods and Data Collection Techniques

Research Questions

Figure 2: System map of literature review sources

Figure 1: Relationship between community art and social capital

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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.

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?

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.

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).

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.

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).