The aim of this research is to examine the role of community-based arts
education as an alternative means of providing a greater number of people with
more opportunities to enjoy art as a part of their lives. For this purpose, a
literature review was first carried out in order to understand the meaning of
community-based arts education including its definition, forms, and impacts upon
on that particular community. Subsequently, in attempt to examine the practical
applications of community-based arts education more fully, a case study was
conducted as an example of community-based arts education. The study focused
on a local art center in a small town in Florida, which has been successfully
managing the arts center in cooperation with community members. So as to gain a
deeper understanding of the arts center and its operations, qualitative research
method was adopted throughout the case study. Triangulation of data collection
strategies including interviews, observations, and visual and written documentations
was employed. The results indicate that the community-based art center offers
members of community art-related educational opportunities that enrich their quality
of life. More specifically, it serves six important community functions: a place to
share experiences, a locale in which to hold art events, an alternative form of
school where art can be studied, a gathering place, a symbol of the community,
and a type of visitors' center. From these insights, this study concludes that
community-based art center would take on the important role of serving as a
gathering place for the community and of meeting at least certain of their
aesthetic needs and interests through art.