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This article reports on a nationwide participatory study carried out in the Netherlands that used both qualitative and quantitative methods to document the perceived value of arts engagement by those taking part in 18 arts-based programs for older adults. The report details the study methodology, including the selection of the arts programs and the approaches to gathering participants’ assessments of their art experiences.

The study is distinguished by its emphasis on capturing “people’s lived experiences of the value of active arts engagement.”  Researchers used a participatory study design that included gathering mini-narratives from the program participants.  The study concludes that art-based programming increases the sense of well-being of older people living in the community as well as those attending daycare or living in a long-term care facility.  According to the authors “, we demonstrate that arts engagement produces (1) positive feelings, (2) personal and artistic growth, and (3) increased quality of social interactions.” The article details the study’s methodology, including the selection of the 18 arts programs and the approaches to gathering participants’ assessments of their art experiences.

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