The Arts Experience at Community College: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study seeks to address the scarcity of qualitative research on community college arts study in the research literature. It addresses the following question: “How do students at a large, urban community college experience their study of the arts?” The author utilized phenomenology as a research methodology. Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews with seven participants, diversified by gender, age, artistic discipline, and geographic location. Interviews were transcribed, noted, and analyzed for emergent themes, utilizing the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Four primary themes characterized the arts study experience, each supported by multiple sub-themes. Participants embraced learning about their art forms and were highly motivated to improve their work. They experienced a wide range of positive emotions, some transformative, during their art making. Participants placed a high value on the arts community, and sought out interactions with other artists. Several of their accounts identified the community college as a critical access point for the arts. The author concludes that students study the arts at community college for variety of reasons, independent of any credential received. Of particular value is the potential for expanded artistic focus and the cultivation of an artistic community. As opportunities for arts education become more limited in society, the role of community colleges in meeting this need is growing in importance. Any of the themes revealed in this study presents potential for deeper and more focused qualitative research.