Over the past few years, cultural institutions have explored new ways to design arts education projects for and with increasingly diverse audiences. 

Studies show that the participatory arts, which engage communities in the creative process, can have a positive impact on physical, social and mental wellbeing. The Arts Council of England noted that ‘active participation in the arts can have a significant impact on the wider determinants of health such as improving living environments, increasing educational attainment and building social capital.’ (The Arts, Health and Well-Being).

Digital technology can increase participation in arts education by breaking down geographical and social barriers, enabling educators to connect with communities who rarely participate in cultural experiences. However, educators often feel they lack the skills, knowledge, equipment, or confidence necessary to engage with participants online. At the same time, the communities they work with are often affected by the “digital gap”, or inequality of access to digital tools and resources, which further impacts their access to participation. 

An international research project funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission, Mind the Gap: Building Digital Bridges to Community was inspired by creativity and resourcefulness demonstrated by arts education professionals throughout the Covid-19 crisis. The project aims to provide arts education workers with the resources, tools and inspiration necessary to successfully implement online participatory projects. At the same time, the project will analyse existing barriers to participation and the best ways to address them.

Main photo © Liceu Opera Barcelona