‘NASAA Notes’ on art museum visits + arts’ social impact

NASAA, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, puts out a pretty good newsletter, and yesterday’s included two items of note to Hub readers. We’re sharing those snippets today with full credit.–Ed.

Educational Benefits of Facilitated Visits to Art Museums

The Effects of Facilitated Single-Visit Art Museum Programs on Students Grades 4-6 is a new report from the National Art Education Association and the Association of Art Museum Directors summarizing the results of a large-scale study funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The four-year study—which involved more than 2,600 students and six art museums—explored the benefits of enabling students to directly engage with artworks and the social setting of art museums. It also considers museum visits relative to constructivist pedagogies, which encourage students to make meaning through direct experience. The report concludes that facilitated engagement with original works of art in museums has a strong impact on students, inspiring them to question, investigate and understand.

Social Impact of the Arts

ArtsFund, a Seattle based nonprofit and grant maker, has released a social impact study focused on how the arts influence youth development and education, health and wellness, and neighborhood vitality. It is based on both a regional level analysis and a review of national level research. The report includes 10 case stories illustrating  how individual organizations exemplify current evidence about the social benefits of the arts.