Investigating the social welfare indicators of Aboriginal Regional Art Centres: A pilot study

This research project uses a case study approach to: 1) investigate how interdisciplinary insights can be used to accurately document the social, cultural, community and individual well-being and economic impact of Aboriginal Art Centres in rural communities; 2) evaluate the utility and comprehensiveness of existing data sources and methods; 3) monitor the progress and achievements of the newly established regional Wirnda Barna Art Centre; and 4) foreshadow future directions for theory development to support the arts and rural economic, cultural and community development. The project is significant because of the novelty of an interdisciplinary approach and the focus on holistic assessment in terms of the contribution an Art Centre provides to cultural life, economic development, community strength, well-being and health. The research found that the project had made good progress towards achieving its goals and provided significant community wellness outcomes that represent a cost-effective means to address some of the underlying collective social stressors that the “Closing the Gap” policy is designed to reduce