pARTicipate : encouraging greater community participation in the arts and crafts

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can the design of studio facilities for local and visiting artists enhance community application of, and engagement with, the fine arts and crafts?

ABSTRACT: Participation in the arts and crafts provides many individual and community benefits, but many individuals participate in very few arts experiences. This is often because they have very limited previous experience and/or are unaware of what experiences are available to them. Most arts and crafts experiences are provided through art centers, of which there are many types. The success of these art centers depends on the artists and artisans within them as well as their accessibility by the public.

The purpose of this research project is to design a new art center that provides a satisfactory working environment for the artists and artisans while at the same time increasing community participation in the arts and crafts opportunities offered within. To accomplish this, the design of the art center is founded on the use of varied work environments and disciplines, visibility, and accessibility. The art center must be accessible and relatable to everyone: artists, artisans, frequent arts participants, and people who have rarely, if ever, participated, and everyone in between.

This research project explores the different types of art centers and what makes them successful or unsuccessful from the point of view of the artists and from the extent of their connection with the surrounding community. The benefits of arts participation and the psychology behind community members’ decisions to participate are also examined. These explorations, combined with precedent studies of existing art centers, can then be translated into architectural design strategies to be used for the design of an art center that meets the needs of its artists and artisans as well as increases the level of community engagement.