The purpose of this paper by Arts Council England is to place the research exploring different models of social inclusion work occurring in the arts, into a policy context and to inform the design of future research. Topics of relevance include: the concept of social exclusion, its definition and measurement; different methods and models of evaluating the arts; and claims articulated about the personal, social, educational and environmental impacts or contribution of the arts and the evidence that exists to support such claims.

The first section of this paper explores the concept of social exclusion, some of the approaches agencies have used to ‘measure’ social exclusion, and sets the policy context which has led to increased interest in the role the arts play in addressing social exclusion.
The second section is concerned with theories of evaluation and explores the explanations commentators have offered as to why formal evaluation providing evidence of the impact of the arts in addressing social exclusion is limited.
The final section explores the claims articulated about the impact of the arts and assesses the evidence. It includes a limited review of social impact literature and aims to highlight studies pertinent to the development of the Arts Council of England research.

Jermyn, H. (2001). The Arts and Social Exclusion: a review prepared for the Arts Council of England. London: Arts Council England.