Based on a two-year research process, this study attempted to gain a better understanding of how residents engage with the arts at a community level, explore barriers to arts access, and identify ways to strengthen local arts engagement. The studys 17 researchers made 300 connections including interviews, focus groups, and surveys with 191 residents, artists, arts groups and social service organizations in three Toronto neighbourhoods: Malvern, St. James Town, and Weston Mount Dennis. Each of the neighbourhoods has a significant number of children and youth and a relatively high proportion of new immigrants. Because of their socio-economic challenges, these neighbourhoods have been targeted for community development initiatives.

http://torontoartsresearch.org/