The Arts and Quality of Life Research Center was founded in 2004 by Dean Robert T. Stroker. It is used within the Boyer College of Music and Dance to promote research, training, and innovative programs that demonstrate the unique role of the arts in making a difference in peoples lives. It focuses on exploring uses of various creative arts to enhance human functioning, developmentally, intellectually, psychologically, socially, physically, aesthetically and spiritually.

The Center encourages, supports and facilitates efforts that demonstrate the power of the arts and ways in which they enhance human well-being. Its research findings effect policy changes on institutional, state and national levels so that funding for the arts may be routinely included in educational, social, and healthcare programs.

The Center's Goals 

• To support and facilitate disciplinary and interdisciplinary quantitative, qualitative, historical, and aesthetic research concerning the use of the arts in the promotion of quality of life within a multicultural society.
• To provide training for faculty and students in research and grantsmanship and concerning the relationship between the arts and quality of life.
• To provide demonstration service programs through collaborative partnerships within Temple and its neighboring communities.
• To disseminate information and research results nationally and internationally through seminars, conferences, publications, and online communications.
• To attract and recruit outstanding faculty, scholars, researchers, and students to Temple.
• To provide an interdisciplinary forum for faculty and students wherein relevant topics may be discussed and plans for future research may be supported.

People

An interdisciplinary group of experts guides the activities of the Center:

Dr. Cheryl Dileo, Music Therapy
Dr. Beth Bolton, Music Education
Dr. Ruth Farber, Occupational Therapy
Dr. Tom Gordon, Public Health
Mr. Mark Huxsoll, Music Preparatory Division
Dr. Lisa Kay, Tyler School of Art
Prof. Brigitte Knowles, Tyler School of Art
Dr. Suzanne Lesnik-Emas, Therapeutic Recreation
Dr. Ellen Tedaldi, Katz School of Medicine
Dr. Billy Yalowitz, Tyler School of Art

Funding

The following organizations have generously provided funding for our research, training, and outreach programs.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation      
Barra Foundation
Exelon Generation
Mid-Atlantic Region of the AMTA
The State of Pennsylvania Formula Fund
Temple University, Provost Seed Grant 
Temple University, Faculty Senate Seed Money
Samuel P. Mandell Foundation 
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation

Contact

The Arts and Quality of Life Research Center 
Temple University
Presser Hall
2001 N. 13 Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122