When art becomes civic engagement
People who participate in art projects are four times more likely to be civically engaged, according to a recent survey by the National Endowment of the Arts. In 2025, most U.S. adults surveyed did not participate in any clubs or organizations (67%), did not volunteer for organizations or associations (58%) or did not attend religious services (51%), according to the NEA. But people who engaged in the arts as either spectators or creators were more likely to engage with their communities.
The NEA report summarized surveys of adults. Children, particularly teenagers, can be petulant and dismissive of group projects, according to Ottomano. The fact that the “Fresh Perspectives” project resulted in a public art exhibition at a prominent Philadelphia museum overcame a lot of hesitation.
“Middle schoolers don’t want to be excited about things. It’s just what they are. That’s middle school. But they really are,” Ottomano said. “Having that — people are going to drive to see your artwork — as a motivator was really cool. Not something that we usually have.”
Desiree Disney, the principal of the participating school Our Mother of Consolation, said the project allowed students to see themselves as members of a larger society.
“This project has also helped us expand on our personal reflections of the journey we endured this first year in our new school building,” Disney said in a statement. “This is the kind of experience that becomes a lasting school memory, helping students see themselves as artists and as part of something bigger.”
The exhibition “New Perspectives” at PAFA has been extended to Monday, July 27. It has attracted the attention of City Hall. The city’s office of arts and culture, Creative PHL, is planning to host a portion of the exhibition in City Hall’s display cases this fall.
Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series that explores the impact of creativity on student learning and success. WHYY and this series are supported by the Marrazzo Family Foundation, a foundation focused on fostering creativity in Philadelphia youth, which is led by Ellie and Jeffrey Marrazzo. WHYY News produces independent, fact-based news content for audiences in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware and South Jersey.