Author: National Research Center of the Arts

Publication Year: 1973

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This survey was designed to measure a variety of dimensions of the American public's interest in the arts. By use of the questionnaire shown in the Appendix of this report, a total of 3,005 personal interviews averaging one hour and thirty four minutes in length were conducted in January 1973 among a representative cross section of all Americans 16 years and older.

Abstract:

Highlights of a report was commissioned by Associated Councils of the Arts describes the results of a nationwide study of public opinion on the arts and cultural activities. ACA contracted with the National Research Center of the Arts, Inc., an affiliate of Louis Harris and Associates, Inc. for this study and was assisted in this effort by the National Endowment for the Arts. (Acknowledgements).

This survey was designed to measure a variety of dimensions of the American public's interest in the arts. By use of the questionnaire shown in the Appendix of this report, a total of 3,005 personal interviews averaging one hour and thirty four minutes in length were conducted in January 1973 among a representative cross section of all Americans 16 years and older. The sample was scientifically drawn to ensure that all regions of the and major demographic groups would be accurately represented and that the data would be projectable to the nation's population as a whole. (Survey, p. 3).

CONTENTS
Introduction.
The survey.
Interest in the arts.
Attendance patterns.
Participation in artistic activities.
Attitudes toward professions in the arts.
Attitudes toward problems of visual pollution and measures to improve the environment.
Arts and cultural facilities as assets to the community.
Preferences in the arts:
     Museums.
     Theatre and movies.
     Music.
     Dance.
     Literature.
Major obstacles to participation and attendance.
Factors of participation in artistic activities.
Patterns of individual attendance.
Sources of information about cultural events.
Availability and accessibility of cultural facilities.
Convenience of obtaining tickets.
Cost.
Interest in group trips.
Opportunities for informal cultural events in local communities.
Effects of childhood exposure to the arts and attitudes toward teaching of the arts.
Childhood exposure to formal cultural events.
Influence of family, friends and teachers.
Influence of school-based activities and courses.
Arts in the curriculum.
Attitudes toward cultural opportunities for young people.
Support of the arts.
Awareness of financial crisis in the arts.
Attitudes toward government support.
Attitudes toward corporate support.
Individual support.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Participation