Arts Alive! is partnering with Antioch University New England to examine the Monadnock Region’s participation levels in the arts, the common barriers to participation, and how participation and arts engagement impacts loneliness and connection.
“We’re hoping this data will give the community another strong, research-supported reason to invest in the arts,” says Jessica Gelter, executive director of Arts Alive!
Wellbeing and community connection are keystones of many arts organizations’ missions in the Monadnock region, and this study aims to collect tangible behavioral data and information that will support both arts engagement and arts-based community health interventions.
With the results Arts Alive! will be able to give artists, arts organizations, and community groups information on what practices and engagement strategies work well to connect the community, and what the additional barriers might be for those who want to have the positive benefits of more arts and connectivity in their lives.
Antioch study partner, Cierra Tunquist adds, "loneliness can feel like a desolate island surrounded by void. Crossing these voids takes courage and yields what I find to be one of the greatest joys of life: genuine connection with other people. Art is a vessel that can bridge the distance between two islands; it is innately connective."
Many artists and arts organizations have continued efforts to connect with their audiences by providing digital and socially-distanced events and programming. In the Monadnock region, music, theatre, dance, and visual arts continue with the ingenuity of arts leaders. Monadnock Music has hosted outdoor concerts and Drive In Live, an extension of Peterborough Concert Series, presented live touring shows in a drive-in format over the summer and fall. Many organizations, including The Edge Ensemble, Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Peterborough Folkmusic Society, Monadnock folklore Society, Electric Earth Concerts, Andy's Summer Playhouse, Ashuelot Concerts, and more, offered virtual performances and events. The Monadnock Chorus and MoCo Arts hosted safe ways to bring their communities together to continue singing and performing. And art teachers like Erin Sweeney of PEterborough, found ways to continue to support the community in getting creative and expressive. Erin has been hosting "The Art Table," which provides free materials and art kits to anyone who would like to come pick one up from the outdoor table.
“The time feels ripe for this study. There's been so much innovation, it's now time for reflection," says Gelter. "As we go into an uncertain winter - how will we emerge from the pandemic and reconnect with our communities? and how will the arts be valued?”
Arts Alive! will build an advocacy program, a professional development program, and a collaborative arts access program, with artist and arts organization partners as well as public health and community service partners, based on the results of this study. The survey is the first step in the process - the study will include other interactive elements, currently in the design process.
National Arts Strategies awarded Executive Director Jessica Gelter with a Fellowship and grant of $10,000 to pursue this work and receive technical and peer support with a diverse cohort of community arts practitioners from across New England.
The goal of the organizing partners is to have 900 responses to the online survey by the end of February. Arts Alive! is casting a wide net into the general community in the Monadnock region through social media promotion and other advertising. The organization is seeking partners and advocates who will share the link and information about the study with their communities. Anyone who completes the survey can elect to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gas card or $100 grocery card and participate in arts-centered focus groups.
Individuals may participate in the online survey here
Any organization or business that shares this survey with their employees or mailing list will be listed on the Arts Alive! survey website. To demonstrate commitment to the arts across our Monadnock region communities, businesses who share the survey can get listed on the site by emailing office@monadnockartsalive.org