ABSTRACT
Since the 1960s, and especially since the late 1990s, there have been extensive discussions and debates among policymakers, arts funders and academics about the benefits and impacts of arts and culture on neighbourhoods, individuals, communities and society as a whole. Most of these debates stem from the socio-political conditions in the West, with the majority of critical writings and research studies coming from the US and Europe. Moreover, the goals of the majority of arts and culture impact research are heavily influenced by the need to justify and support their cultural funding. This chapter provides an overview and discusses a series of theoretical concepts and research frameworks pertinent to the following questions: What are the impacts of arts and culture on local neighbourhoods and communities? How can such impacts be defined, identified, captured, measured and speculated? What are the mechanisms and challenges of impact evaluation? What indicates successful arts and culture projects and initiatives?
