National Arts & Youth Demonstration Project: Art Programs As a Prevention Modality for Children and Youth in High-Risk Communities

The National Arts and Youth Demonstration Project is a three-year demonstration study that is currently being implemented in five sites across Canada, exploring an alternative method of primary prevention of child and youth behavior problems. The study will explore the extent to which community-based organizations can successfully engage young people in artistic endeavours. The study will also determine the extent to which the effectiveness of art programs can demonstrate positive outcomes for children and youth such as staying in school, improving academic performance, improving self-esteem, instilling hope for the future, encouraging a focus on career development, and most importantly inhibiting their involvement in negative social situations such as substance use, crime and violence. The five sites reflect a cross-section of geographic diversity, rural and urban communities, cultural diversity reflective of the Canadian population and diverse economic communities. In each site, 30 to 35 children, 10 to 15 years of age, participate in a structured art program twice a week for a nine-month period. The design of the study is a pre post-test method with a six-month follow-up. The primary intentions of the project is to use the findings of the study to inform policy makers, program planners and researchers on the usefulness and the cost effectiveness of art programs as a prevention strategy aimed at populations of children and to begin a dialogue on the need to: * Offer art programs to children on a universal basis, Establish standards with respect to planning, implementing and evaluating art programs in community-based organisations, Address the issue of program sustainability and barriers to access, participation and equitable outcomes for children in poor multicultural communities. [abstract]

Publication Date: 
2003
Issue: 
24/11/2007