The Arts-Based Community Engagement (Abce) Model in Practice

A Demonstrated Tool for Revenue Generation and Community Support in the Arts

Bibliographic Data

ID21637119
AuthorsJay Pension (University of Michigan, corresponding author), Ariel Fristoe (Out of Hand Theater, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume56
Issue1
Pages19-33
Publication date2026-01-02
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Arts Management Law and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1063-2921 • E-ISSN: 1930-7799
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10632921.2025.2559995
OpenAlexW4414431681
LanguageEN
References cited23

This article examines the alignment between Out of Hand Theater’s operations and Song’s (2019) Arts-Based Community Engagement (ABCE) model. Using a participatory case study method, the research explores how Out of Hand Theater’s operations align with and diverge from Song’s ABCE model. This study fills a gap in scholarship by taking this theoretical model and examining it with an empirical example. In 2018, Out of Hand Theater shifted their operational model to exclusively produce programs focused on social issues in collaboration with community partners. The study’s findings broadly indicate that Out of Hand Theater’s core programming since 2018 closely aligns with Song’s ABCE model and has resulted in greater financial stability. This research contributes to understanding of an alternative operational model that has remained untested in practice

Community development · Community engagement · Revenue · The arts · Community Development and Social Impact · Cultural Industries and Urban Development · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering

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Open DOIOpen Access