48
create civic pride and a visually literate and confident population.” Derry/Londonderry
stands well as an illustration of how culture and the arts can bring people together
in a city marked by inner tensions. In 2013 it was the first UK City of Culture focusing
on the one hand on mass participation and the big picture experience and on the
other hand on engaging people from all parts of society. Hence one of the key
achievements of the city was to reach a diverse group of people.The event triggered
great implication of citizenship in the programme and in particular in contemporary
visual arts events. This all resulted in 2013 being the most peaceful year
Derry/Londonderry ever had, bringing, in artistic curator Graeme Farrow’s words
33
,
“greater confidence, pride and strength” to the city.
Therefore artistic activities contribute towards citizenship and social inclusion by
strengthening social and cultural capital (social relations and interactions between
people). Among a range of positive effects, participation in the arts can contribute
to community cohesion, reduce social exclusion and isolation, and/or make
communities feel safer and stronger (Arts Council England 2014). Re-creating or
strengthening social bonds through culture results in more security in the city and
peaceful relations between inhabitants, therefore a better life environment.
3.1.2 Arts for wellbeing and quality of life
Culture is increasingly becoming an instrumental factor of wellbeing and quality of
life in cities. Nightlife, cultural institutions, exhibitions and festivals, art display in public
spaces, the provision of artistic activities or high quality food are soft location factors
contributing to setting up good living conditions, a positive urban atmosphere and
networking opportunities that help retain and attract talented people and help CCS
initiatives to flourish.
For its part, research has evidenced that a higher frequency of engagement with arts
and culture is generally associated with a higher level of subjective wellbeing.A recent
study by the DCMS shows that citizens value their increase in wellbeing due to access
to arts and culture at more than £2300 per year (DCMS 2014). Moreover, a detailed
study by Scottish Government analysts confirmed that participating in culture or
attending cultural places or events has a positive impact on health and life satisfaction
(Arts Council England 2014).
Culture’s healing properties and abilities to foster positive attitudes towards life were
thus strongly taken into account in making wellbeing one of the main targets ofTurku
(EE) 2011 European Capital of Culture
34
. Indeed, the arts provide “socially valuable”
leisure activities, “elevate” people’s thinking and contribute positively to their
psychological and social wellbeing, enhancing their sensitivity
35
.They also encourage
active ageing and healthier lifestyles (see below).
33
Interview with
The Guardian
, 10/02/2015.
34
For instance, through initiatives such as the cultural prescriptions by doctors duringTurku 2011 (more in
“Culture does good”,
Turku 2011Wellbeing Programme 2008–2012
, available at:
).
35
The European Task Force on Culture and Development (1997).
