Assessing the Impact of an Artist-In-Residence Program on College Students in Arts, Social Science and STEM Fields - JCAPS Vol. 7 Issue 1

This study examines the impact of Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programs on college students’ creative behaviors. By surveying undergraduates, we found that art majors, compared to nonmajors, exhibited greater intentions to engage in creative behaviors following interactions with the AiR. These students also felt more social pressure to be creative, valued leadership for creativity, and identified professional behaviors influenced by AiR interactions. Participants reported several areas where the AiR is helpful, such as understanding how to create artwork that makes difficult topics accessible to the public. This study addresses a literature gap by documenting how an AiR program affects college students and found multiple significant positive impacts on creative behaviors and intentions. These beyond-the-classroom experiences highlight the importance of campus activities in connecting and engaging students. The study underscores the significance of intentional participation and sustained interactions in promoting personal development and a supportive university environment. Limitations and future research are discussed.