Community arts: issues of philosophy and practice

Abstract

This study examines some of intersections between the philosophical concepts of community arts and the practice of community arts practitioners. Some pertinent issues relating to the successful practice of community arts are identified and discussed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five community arts practitioners to explore how they approached their work, both philosophically and practically. The information derived from these interviews was content analysed and categorised into the thematic areas which emerged from the data. The findings are divided into three sections. The first of these addresses philosophies of community arts, the second identifies issues of practice and the third concentrates on philosophies of community and empowerment. This study concludes with a discussion of the issues which arise out of the findings and the implications for further community arts development. The results of this study indicate that difference in perspective and practice are not easily tolerated by practitioners, and that many of the philosophies of community arts are easier to theorise than to practise. Many of the practitioners need to understand more fully than they currently do the range of philosophical positions which are available to them for interpretation and application, and additionally, the practical issues arising from these philosophies. As a result they would be in a more secure position to develop their own practice in conjunction with defining the needs of the communities in which they work.