Durham E-Theses The Angel of the North: Public Art and Wellbeing BLACKMAN, FIONA,MAEVE How to cite: BLACKMAN, FIONA,MAEVE (2014) The Angel of the North: Public Art and Wellbeing, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/10927/ Use policy This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY) Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail:
[email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk Maeve Blackman The Angel of the North: Public Art and Wellbeing Abstract Sir Antony Gormley’s sculpture, the Angel of the North, has acquired iconic status but relatively little is known about its impact on wellbeing. The aim of this research is to investigate this impact by exploring what outcomes were intended, the extent to which these have been realised, and why and how these outcomes occurred. The methodology used is realistic evaluation, framing the Angel as an intervention. The Angel has been an important part of the culture-led regeneration of the town of Gateshead, but its role also reflects the local authority’s work to improve wellbeing in a non-material sense. This is conceptualised, and the empirical findings interpreted, by drawing on cultural analysis, especially the work of Raymond Williams and Pierre Bourdieu. The research combines interpretivist approaches to explore meanings and empirical approaches to measure effects, including documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, a population survey and focus groups. The analysis identifies themes and sub- themes and patterns and associations in the data.