The Geography of Arts Participation: Report on the 1982 and 1985 Surveys of Public Participation in the Arts. Final Report

This study's primary purpose was to examine how geographical characteristics and cultural supply influence individual participation in arts related activities in the United States. Data for the study were extracted from the 1982 and 1985 "Survey of Public Participation in the Arts." Research efforts were based upon the inference that geographic differences lead to inequalities in the supply of cultural opportunities, and this factor may outweigh differences in attitudes or values in relation to arts participation. Geographical factors relating to specific U.S. regions, subregions, and urban and metropolitan areas were investigated. Results indicated that: (1) arts participation did not increase in any region between 1982 and 1985; (2) the greatest variation in arts participation exists in the south; (3) when demographic characteristics of a region are considered, regional differences are reduced; (4) supply and planning policies may account for high levels of participation in some metropolitan areas, while low participation may relate to poor transportation and parking facilities; (5) educational levels and number of adults who have never married are positive factors in metropolitan areas; and (6) social inequality has detrimental effects on the supply of and demand for art activities. Appendices list large cities within specific geographic areas and provide computer results relating to the study. (JHP)