Much is claimed for the transformative power of the arts. Driven by
curiosity and a desire to understand how our work can be more effective
we have been exploring those claims and examining them more closely.
Drawing on evidence and research across a range of research, this paper
proposes a model for how the arts might create the conditions for
kindness to grow. Defining kindness as something that goes beyond
individual acts of generosity and thoughtfulness, we examine the
potential of the arts to be at the heart of strengthening our capacity
for empathy, friendship, social bonds and concern for others.
The People United model identifies four mediators for kindness:
Connections, Empathy, Learning and Values and these will be the
foundation for the Artists Commissions and the basis of our work going
onwards.
This paper is just the beginning of our exploration, and we look forward
to your creative ideas and thoughts on how we might develop it further.
The Arts and Kindness paper is available to download below.