Abstract
ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown the beneficial impacts of arts participation and cultural engagement on health outcomes. However, this engagement is socially patterned and is also possibly influenced by geographical factors. Study designThe aim of this study was to examine the association between geographical factors (spatial setting and neighbourhood characteristics) and arts and cultural engagement amongst adults in the UK. MethodsData analysed were from Understanding Society Wave 2 (2010/12) with a total sample size of 26,215. Logistic and ordinal regression was used to identify geographical predictors for the patterns of the engagement. ResultsOur results show that there are geographical differences in participation independent of individual demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. In particular, there was more evidence for differences in the participation based on neighbourhood characteristics (e.g. level of area deprivation). We also found some interactions between individual and geographical factors for cultural engagement but not for arts participation. ConclusionsThis study reveals a geographical and individual socio-economic gradient in arts and cultural engagement. Given the health benefits of arts engagement, improving access to arts and cultural programmes geographically may potentially help to reduce health inequalities.
Highlights
Over the past two decades, more than 3000 studies have identified the positive impact of arts participation and cultural engagement on mental and physical health outcomes.[1]
Descriptive statistics showing the distribution of arts participation and cultural engagement by geographical factors are shown in Supplementary Tables 1 and 2
Arts participation Regarding spatial setting and using the ‘disengaged’ as the reference group, respondents who lived in Northern England or the Midlands were less likely to engage in arts activities than those who lived in the South (Table 1)
Summary
Over the past two decades, more than 3000 studies have identified the positive impact of arts participation (actively engaging in arts activities such as music, dance or crafts) and cultural engagement (visiting cultural venues or heritage sites) on mental and physical health outcomes.[1].
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