> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Julia Anwar Mchenry > Reference:: McHenry, J. A. (2009). A place for the arts in rural revitalisation and the social wellbeing of Australian rural communities. _Rural Society_, _19_(1), 60–70. https://doi.org/10.5172/rsj.351.19.1.60 > Date:: 2009 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: [[Social value of craft]] > Claim:: > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Defining social as "the social fabric of a community" that includes "a sense of belonging, trust, reciprocity, identity, and place” (p. 60), Anwar Mchenry argues for the role of arts (and by extension crafts) in the social wellbeing of rural communities “by enhancing participation and creativity in public decision-making, strengthening community capacity, and strengthening identity and sense of place" (p. 60). The author calls for an evaluation of the benefits of art beyond instrumentalist views (such as the provision of economic opportunities) and that takes into account civic participation and engagement as an essential element of social well-being. ### Highlights