Building Community through the Arts

Abstract

This article explores the positive impacts the arts have had on disadvantaged communities in the U.S. The article discusses the definition of community, the benefits of access to the arts, the creative needs of Americans, recent arts and social surveys, and effective implementations in diverse cities. Examples of case studies examine various artistic disciplines. This article addresses leaders wanting to improve or incorporate the arts in their communities, educators and students of the arts, parents, and arts advocates. Specifically, the article aims to help readers understand the value and contributions of American communities, as well as the significant role the arts play in rebuilding, strengthening, and bridging diverse populations.

Headnote

Abstract

This article explores the positive impacts the arts have had on disadvantaged communities in the U.S. The article discusses the definition of community, the benefits of access to the arts, the creative needs of Americans, recent arts and social surveys, and effective implementations in diverse cities. Examples of case studies examine various artistic disciplines. This article addresses leaders wanting to improve or incorporate the arts in their communities, educators and students of the arts, parents, and arts advocates. Specifically, the article aims to help readers understand the value and contributions of American communities, as well as the significant role the arts play in rebuilding, strengthening, and bridging diverse populations.

Keywords

community, access, awareness, arts, inclusion, belonging

Introduction

The arts have made a major impact on modern community-building across the U.S. The arts instill teamwork, collaboration, cultural identity, critical thinking, collective celebration, and ethical leadership. The Community Roundtable (n.d.) defines a community as a group of people who share common values, behaviors, and artifacts. Over the last five years, neighborhoods have experienced both the rise and decline of support, a sense of belonging, and a growing sense of community in their local areas, promoting change (Manning & Uygur, 2023). While the role of technology, social media, and apps have brought people together, some argue that technology has hindered interpersonal communication, resulting in less social interaction, increased distance between individuals, fewer face-to-face connections, and heightened anxiety among them (Ruben, Stosic, Correale, & Blanch-Hartigan, 2021).

Building on this, the arts, in particular, have played a major role in rebuilding, strengthening, and bringing underserved areas together, especially in geographical locations struggling with poverty, crime, mental health issues, or a lack of educational opportunities. A study conducted in lower-income neighborhoods of New York shows that students with a prominent arts education experienced lower juvenile delinquency and less child abuse or neglect in the home, with an overall of 18% lessened crime, and 14% fewer reports of abuse or neglect. Students with access to the arts in their neighborhoods are 18% more likely to score higher on English and Math exams (Americans for the Arts, n.d.). The arts continue to increase engagement with residents, with a notable increase in volunteer efforts.

Access to the arts varies from instruction to performances, encompassing babies and toddlers, at-risk teens, young adults, and senior citizens. There is no age or time limit for participating in the arts. Various media stem from music to dance, film to painting, playwriting to composing. Community and arts go hand and hand to develop self and group expression. Individuals better themselves and their education by studying the arts, but also contribute to the greater good to produce awareness, change, or something positive. Participants involved in the arts or seeing live performances are more likely to be connected with U.S. history and current events, take Broadway" s blockbuster Hamilton the musical, or Kaufman's play The Laramie Project, for example. Today, visual artists are even using eco-friendly materials and resources to create beautiful art to help save the earth and bring climate change to the forefront (Harrington, 2023). The arts serve as a significant stepping stone in addressing the diversity, equity, and inclusion issues prevalent across the nation. This long-standing recognition of the arts' importance is not new; for example, Former President John F. Kennedy emphasized their value on November 8th, 1963, in his speech at the Washington National Gallery of Art:

I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the root of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. The great artist has always been the voice of the future, of the country, and of the future. His task is not to mirror society, but to change it. (Kennedy, 1963, p. 45)

The Need for Arts Programs

Arts programs and support are needed to bridge the gap between rural America and overpopulated cities, as well as to connect with youth and adults. The lack of programming in certain areas stems from insufficient funds, natural disasters, the availability of performance and rehearsal venues, or geographical isolation. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) research indicates that the following states have poor access to the arts: Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Wyoming, Montana, South Carolina, and North Dakota. Historically, the Southern states have suffered the most from these hardships. In contrast, the states with the most funding, robust programming, strong infrastructure, and active community engagement in the arts, include California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Hawaii (National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 2025). The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2021) states:

Arts education plays a vital role in the personal and professional development of citizens and, more broadly, the economic growth and social sustainability of communities. Its loss or diminution from the system would be incalculable. And yet, despite widespread support from parents and the general public, arts education still struggles to be prioritized by decision-makers. (p. 10)

The organization frames that the arts continue to build empathy and generate acceptance of others. Mary Ann Carter, the 12th Chairman for the National Endowment for the Arts, backs the notion up: "Arts education exposes students to a greater diversity of opinion and ideas. This in turn can challenge preconceived notions of others and build greater empathy and acceptance" (American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2021, p. 14).

Beyond funding and access, the arts are also being used as tools for broader social challenges. For example, the United States continue to work toward finding solutions to the current immigration crisis, and the arts have helped new learners of the English language by increasing engagement, confidence in the language, and application (Goldberg, 2019). Students may learn English through acting out scenes, studying a film, drawing or picto-spelling, or composing a song to learn new vocabulary. Additionally, dance and movement have proven effective in learning a second language.

The National Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 study examines the significant impact of the arts on communities and the economy every five years (Americans for the Arts, 2023). The most recent study by the North Carolina Arts Council identified ten reasons why supporting the arts is beneficial. The first three reasons are unifying communities, improving individual well-being, and the arts strengthen the economy as a frontier in economic development. Other findings included that the arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses, improve academic performance for better educational outcomes, spark innovation, and have a social impact that can address and reflect on social issues. The last two crucial findings highlight that the arts support the emotional health and well-being of our military personnel and engagement with the arts improves overall mental health for everyone (Ricke, n.d.).

COVID-19 had a significant impact on performing arts organizations and artists alike. Performing arts presenters, presenting houses, and festivals experienced a 73% decline in economic activity in 2020 (National Endowment for the Arts, 2022). The new construction of arts and cultural facilities declined by 24% during this time. The unemployment rate for artists in the U.S. was 10%. However, online video streaming was boosted by 14.3% creating more than 12,000 new jobs. Streaming created a community within itself from watch parties with friends, and the generation of new, booming, innovative content. These findings became even more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a sharp decline in performing arts revenues, other areas including transportation, outdoor recreation, and agriculture, performed far worse than the arts.

Post-Pandemic Cravings

Yet, as the nation recovers, one thing has become clear: Americans want art, and they are looking for community. In 2023, one of the most comprehensive studies was the Delaware Arts Alliance poll, which showed that Americans view the arts as essential to their personal lives, communities, and the nation's future. Only 51% believe that their community has equal access to the arts (Delaware Arts Alliance, 2024). The key findings in Americans' perceptions and attitudes were a high engagement in the arts, with 80% of participants attending or watching live arts and cultural events over the past year. Seventy-six percent of participants reported that the arts contribute to their overall joy, well-being, and personal sense of creativity. 72% of participants agreed that the arts unify communities, and believe that the arts provide shared experiences with people of different races, ethnicities, ages, beliefs, and identities. Last, a majority of Americans, 92% of participants. agreed that every student should have access to a quality arts education.

A recent Harvard poll shows that just 17% of Americans under 30 feel they have deep social connections (Harvard Institute of Politics, 2025). Surveying over 2,000 Americans between 18-29 years old, less than half of the participants felt they exhibited a sense of community. The pandemic, now coined the loneliness epidemic, blames social media for isolation, an unstable economy, and high housing and education costs. Harvard has conducted Adult Development studies similar to this for nearly 80 years, revealing that long-term happiness is not from wealth, diet, or genetics but from community, revealing that community is the ultimate medicine for the body and the brain (Westway, 2025).

A 2023 poll unveiled that Americans who engage in creative activities at least weekly reported better mental health conditions (American Psychiatric Association, 2023). In a poll, 46% of American participants reported using creative activities to relieve stress or anxiety, with activities such as piano playing, knitting, or dancing. Sixty-five % of participants reported engaging in creative activities in their free time, with 46% also indicating that they used the arts to relieve stress and anxiety. The majority of participants answered that listening to music was their favorite activity for reducing stress or anxiety. The association's President Petros Levounis, M.D., М.А. (American Psychiatric Association, 2023), additionally states the following:

Creative activities are not just for fun; they can help us take a step back from the daily grind, use our brains differently, and relax. Picking up that paintbrush or solving a tricky puzzle can truly move us to a different mindset. (para. 4).

For five years of the pandemic, the nation has tried to return to a state of normalcy, whether that means performances back in person or music and dance lessons face-to-face. Unfortunately, many organizations could not survive the economic hardships; some theatres have closed indefinitely, and some artists had to find new professions. However, people have learned that some of the initiatives implemented during COVID-19 may represent a healthier, more sustainable new normal.

Effective Implementations

Carrying this lesson forward, there are incredible organizations today whose daily mission is to make a positive impact on their communities through the arts. The goals of these organizations are not driven by corporate greed or status, but rather by solving crime, improving mental health, or breaking language barriers. Here is an overview of a few strong organizations that are working towards creating change and peace in their neighborhoods.

The Queens Theatre

In 2014, the Queens Theatre of New York implemented a senior theatre ensemble for mature adults partnering with local nursing homes (Queens Theatre, 2022). A professional director teaches songs to the seniors and develop original stories based on their background with these vulnerable communities to create a culminating artistic performance free of charge for families and friends. At the start of the Pandemic, like many organizations, the Queens Theatre had to shut down. Theatre organizations struggled with how they would continue their instruction or performances, and many ceased entirely. However, the Queens Theatre quickly adapted to the times and embraced technology, continuing their rehearsals online with Zoom. Conversations and observations with the Queen Theatre at that time surfaced that, while learning new technology requires time and practice for some seniors, others found it just as easy as using FaceTime with their grandchildren. The participants reported overall happiness with these Zoom check-ins or rehearsals, and they were grateful to still have social interaction and to continue making music and theatre online during uncertain times. The theatre continued creating theatre online when it was not possible for individuals or groups to do so in person.

While many people had to reduce their involvement with the arts during COVID due to financial constraints, a lack of resources, or health reasons, they are now learning to live and navigate being part of the arts again, although in a different way. The Pandemic made people realize how important the arts truly are for social reasons and individual happiness. The absence of the arts has a profound impact on society.

Guitars Over Guns

A non-profit organization with a mission to empower the youth through music, mentorship, and the arts. With chapters in Miami, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, the organization aims to get students off the streets and away from gun violence. Since 2008, the organization has served over 12,000 young students with a combination of arts education with mentorship from professional musicians to overcome hardship. Students take weekly music instruction that culminates in final performances with their peers. Guitars over Guns promotes building trusting relationships with adults and offers high-quality music lessons at no cost during typically unsupervised hours. In their 2024 Impact Report, the mentees, ages 8-18, identify as 44% African American, 45% Hispanic, with 96% living below the national poverty level. The organization has also assessed that students participating in the program expressed a desire to attend college, and 75% of students showed interest in pursuing a professional music career (Guitars Over Guns, 2024).

Nashville Symphony

In March 2025, the Nashville Symphony introduced the third iteration of Music in my Neighborhood, a weeklong community engagement initiative with cultural exchange in the form of a musical takeover with free performances, instructions, and engaging collaborations. While lasting only a week, the event celebrates and strengthens identity in Tennessee. The symphony partners with schools and other local organizations to highlight the region's history, culture, and residents (Nashville Symphony, 2024).

The week of music offers local residents an opportunity to showcase their unique stories through music, highlighting diverse neighborhoods and hosting instrument exploration workshops. The celebrations address people of all ages and provide family-friendly content. While the emphasis is on engaging the youth, the event encourages all residents of the area to attend, whether lifelong Tennesseans or those new to the area, with strong support from the TN Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (HERE Nashville, 2025). The event includes potluck dinners, career talks, drum circles, and free chamber music concerts by the symphony.

Kimberly McLemore, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement at the symphony, states, "Our goal is to highlight the amazing things already happening in Tennessee neighborhoods, and we welcome everyone to join us in celebrating" (Nashville Music City, 2024, n.p.). The symphony aims to showcase the history and culture of its residents by collaborating with local organizations, exploring the origins of historic and cultural roots that date back long before Nashville became known as Music City (McCarthy, 2022).

Comfort Choir

The Comfort Choir of Big Rapids, Michigan, is a new community outreach group of 15 female volunteers singing to people who are chronically ill, socially isolated, or in palliative care. The choir brings the healing power of music to those in need the most (Schwartz, 2025). Founded by Helen Brandt, the choir performs at private homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, senior living centers, churches, and memorial services, all free of charge. As both a musician and a former oncology nurse, Brandt states, "The choir is not focused on performance, but on bringing the feeling of music and connection to others. Music can create a sense of presence and energy between people" (Schwartz, 2025, para. 4). The group does not have a religious affiliation and sings to people, regardless of their religious background. The choir's focus is on offering human connection through music. There is not one path or discipline within the arts to bring community together. Different communities may not fit into the same mold. The examples of these various organizations demonstrate effective and creative solutions to current issues in communities, or identified gaps. Not every community experiences the same issues or needs. However, different cities may be able to learn from each other about what initiatives have worked effectively in a particular region. Together, these examples show growing collaborations between leaders, artists, and volunteers to create change and foster healthy social interactions in local communities.

Conclusion

Community-building naturally raises the broader question why community is so important. Stein (2023) states that a community can help people feel connected to something larger than themselves. It is vital for the psychological well-being, those who have experienced trauma or loss. There are numerous ways to connect with a community, whether through a club with shared values, a spiritual organization, or by building relationships with neighbors through volunteering at local events.

Human relationships flourish through strong communities. The U.S. is not by any means perfect, and developing strong communities will be the backbone of making systemic change. The arts have shown they are an integral piece of the solution, a piece to the puzzle, to lessening crime and isolation, to developing purpose and healthy interactions with one another. The arts are helping Americans thrive, coming out of a pandemic, from youth at risk to aging adults. People of all backgrounds, disciplines, cultures, and learning styles can benefit from the arts in their community. Leaders should embrace using the arts as a tool to combat low morale in communities and establish thriving neighborhoods. In a world of uncertainty and fear, the arts remain an inclusive and holistic approach. A focus on the arts and community-building is key to making the U.S. a strong nation once again.

References

References

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Discussion Questions

1. How have the arts made an impact in your community?

2. What communities could benefit from more arts programs?

3. What additional arts efforts could be implemented in your community?

4. How do you see yourself contributing to your community?

5. What does community mean to you?

About the Author

Elizabeth A. Turner, Ed.D., is director of performing arts at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, she has been spearheading faith-based performing arts offerings for young women at the pre-collegiate level. ORCID 0009-0003-16387086.