ABSTRACT
Set in Nottingham, UK, this case study explores the practice of community arts. There is a tradition in UK community development of using the arts, in its various forms (murals, sculpture, drama, photography, video, etc.) to enhance the quality of life in communities and to broaden the understanding of, and engagement with, arts practice.
The study focuses on the current shift in community arts away from its social impact to its economic potential. The study emphasises the importance of arts-based community development work in building collective action for community empowerment. The specific focus is on:
What is community arts, what does it achieve, and what can it achieve?
Dialogue with and between local people
Role and potential of local festivals
Building networks
Promoting engagement
