Leveraging an Arts-Based Approach to Foster Engagement, Nurture Kindness, and Prevent Violence

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Arts Education
• Media Literacy Studies

Background:

• Arts-based approaches are increasingly recognized for their potential in community development.
• Fostering civic learning and critical media literacy is crucial in contemporary society.
• Addressing issues like online extremism and community violence requires innovative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the benefits of arts-based methods for civic learning, media literacy, and community engagement.
• To identify strategies for promoting kindness, preventing violence, and countering online extremism.
• To present a model framework and case study of an arts-based community project.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing thematic data analysis.
• Conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with community partners.
• Utilized a case study of a project focused on arts-based activities for kindness and violence prevention.

Main Results:

• Identified four key themes: benefits of arts, promoting kindness/preventing violence, civic responsibility via arts, and collaboration strategies.
• Arts-based expression effectively promotes kindness and prevents violence.
• Arts serve as a valuable tool for teaching civic responsibility and enhancing engagement.

Conclusions:

• Arts-based approaches offer significant benefits for civic learning, media literacy, and community engagement.
• Creative strategies are effective in promoting prosocial behaviors and mitigating extremism.
• Effective collaboration with community partners is essential for successful arts-based initiatives.