Report: Emphasis on Perceived Well-being in the Evaluation of Cultural Well-being
The economic assessment of cultural well-being activities is still limited and sporadic both nationally in Finland and internationally. Finland could become a pioneer in this matter on an international scale.
Concrete actions are needed to strengthen economic evaluation practices of cultural well-being. This is evident from the results of the research project conducted by the University of Eastern Finland’s House of Effectiveness, University of the Arts Helsinki’s CERADA Research Centre, and the Culture and Well-being Pool, which examined the status of impact research and economic evaluation of cultural well-being activities in both Finland and elsewhere.
Cultural well-being activities refer to arts and cultural activities or services aimed at promoting the well-being of individuals or communities. Through stakeholder interviews, the researchers identified the possibilities and challenges of economic evaluation of cultural well-being activities in Finland. A literature review was conducted to assess the current state of impact research in cultural well-being internationally.
“Perceived well-being and its measurement were highlighted in previous research literature, so we piloted measures of perceived well-being in both the assessment of cultural well-being activities’ impact and cost-effectiveness during the project. The results are promising from the perspective of further developing concrete evaluation methods,” states Professor Janne Martikainen from the University of Eastern Finland.
Through economic evaluation and its development, cultural well-being activities can become more firmly integrated into public services. Supporting a personal relationship with art and the opportunity to regularly participate in arts and culture activities are crucial factors for the effectiveness of cultural well-being activities. Comprehensive impact assessment can also strengthen the significance of cultural well-being in societal discourse and well-being promotion.
“Ensuring the realization of cultural rights throughout a person’s lifespan is crucial. Therefore, criteria for impact and cost-effectiveness assessment should only be applied to activities that inherently have measurable well-being objectives,” reminds University Researcher Kai Lehikoinen from the University of the Arts Helsinki.
This publication was carried out as part of the Finnish Government’s 2022 plan for analysis, assessment and research.