NEA RESEARCH LAB PROJECTS
The Humanities and Human Flourishing Project is partnering with the National Endowment for the Arts on two specific research studies:
Art Museums and Human Flourishing
Arts & Humanities Experiences
Keystone Study: Art Museums and Human Flourishing
Key Researchers: Katherine Cotter, University of Pennsylvania; Damien L. Crone, Northeastern University; Rebekah Rodriguez-Boerwinkle, University North Carolina Greensboro; Martin Boerwinkle, University North Carolina Greensboro; Paul Silvia, University North Carolina Greensboro; James O. Pawelski, University of Pennsylvania;
Research suggests that visiting art museums is associated with a range of well-being outcomes. But the COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed how people are engaging with visual art as most museums were forced to close or greatly restrict visitation. Many museums increased their digital presence to continue to engage with the public. Given the now expansive virtual art-viewing options and the unique benefits of these experiences, it is necessary to understand the well-being potential of engaging with art in a digital environment. This research examined the well-being effects of viewing art in a virtual gallery in four sessions across five weeks and how immersion, a theorized mechanism relevant to art engagement and well-being, may facilitate individual gain in well-being.
Art Museums and Human Flourishing
Additional Key Researchers: Katherine Cotter, University of Pennsylvania; James O. Pawelski, University of Pennsylvania
Millions of people visit art museums each year, and research is beginning to clarify how these visits can increase human flourishing. Flourishing can be understood in terms of high well-being and low ill-being, considered on individual and collective levels, and fostered through specific programs. A review of current research suggests that art museums can have a significant positive impact on human flourishing by boosting physical and mental health, raising subjective and emotional well-being, and promoting feelings of social connection.
Museum Professionals and Well-Being
Additional Key Researchers: Katherine Cotter, University of Pennsylvania; Damien L. Crone, Northeastern University; James O. Pawelski, University of Pennsylvania
Are well-being outcomes important to art museums? To learn more about how art museum professionals see their institutions as venues that promote well-being, we will examine the attitudes, strategies, and practices of professionals in the field. Through this project, we gained insight into institutional motivations of art museums, to what extent museum prioritize well-being, and how they aim to address well-being with visitors.
Arts & Humanities Experiences
Additional Key Researchers: Damien L. Crone, University of Pennsylvania; Yerin Shim, Chungnam National University; Katherine Cotter, University of Pennsylvania; Louis Tay, Purdue University; James O. Pawelski, University of Pennsylvania
To fill a large gap in empirical research on the relation between arts and humanities (AH) engagement and wellbeing, we are conducting a large-scale survey study in which we characterize people’s most personally significant AH experiences and everyday activities. A successful pilot study has already taken place, producing promising results, and, as of Fall 2020, we are finalizing data collection of the scaled-up version of this survey in a representative American sample. This study allows us to address questions such as: What are the cognitive, affective and concrete situational features of such experiences and activities, and to what extent are the various features of these AH-related activities associated with different facets of well-being?
The opinions expressed in materials on this website are those of the author(s) and do not represent the views of the National Endowment for the Arts Office of Research & Analysis or the National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts Endowment does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information included in these materials and is not responsible for any consequences of its use. This NEA Research Lab is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts (Award #: 1862782-38-C-20).