Researching effects on 'ArtWork(s) in the Third Sector': how can we evaluate community arts projects?

This article presents the results of evaluation research on a Dutch experimental project, 'ArtWork(s)' in the Third Sector', in the Netherlands. Theatre artists participated in four pilots over a period of four to twelve months with migrants, detainees, mentally handicapped and young people at risk. The main goal was to develop and strengthen the competencies needed in daily life and at work. Evaluation research on the effects of the arts programmes in a pre-test–post-test design with quantitative and qualitative methods was an integral part of this experimental community arts project. We evaluated the effects of the arts activities on the members of the four pilot groups, who needed to integrate better into Dutch society. This evaluation not only provides information on the effects of the pilots, but also discussion points on how we can evaluate these kinds of projects, as well as lessons on how to improve the research methods in the future. Important issues in this evaluation are the visions of the artists and coaches on the function and goals of the programmes for these target groups, and the way these visions are reflected in practice.