THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY-BASED ART EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON YOUTH IN LOW SOCIOECONOMIC COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Community-based art education (CBAE) programs have minimal research conducted that explore the benefits gained by youth who live in low socioeconomic status (SES) communities versus youth from higher ones. The purpose of this research is to study the benefits, extent of those benefits, and the values of community-based art education programs in areas with low-SES youth compared to areas with high-SES youth in the southern region of Charlotte, NC. The research questions leading this research are: (1) What are the benefits of participating in a community-based art program? (2) How does participation within a community-based art program differ for students from lower-SES backgrounds versus those from higher ones? (3) Does race contribute to the benefits gained from participating in a community-based art program? This research is intended to be a glimpse into the complexity and intricate design that goes into the intention, purpose, framework, and mission of a CBAE program, particularly those located in low-SES communities. The opportunities these youth experience within a CBAE program go beyond the creation and exploration of art; their experiences can also be life-altering.