Creative cross-sectoral collaboration: a conceptual framework of factors influencing partnerships for arts, health and wellbeing.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors impacting cross-sectoral collaboration in arts, health and wellbeing programme, policy and strategy development in South West England.

STUDY DESIGN

The study used a participatory action research approach and qualitative methods in the context of a broader effort to develop a regional arts, health and wellbeing strategy.

METHODS

Data collection methods included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, a focus group and feedback collected through collaborative online discussion documents. Data were coded using qualitative data analysis software and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were used inductively to develop the conceptual framework of key factors influencing cross-sectoral collaboration in arts, health and wellbeing.

RESULTS

Seven key factors that affect cross-sectoral collaboration for arts, health and wellbeing activities were derived from the data and analysis: value and legitimacy, relationships, policy and system complexity, power, capacity, resources and alignment. A conceptual framework shows how these factors relate to each other in multiple configurations and shape cross-sectoral collaborations.

CONCLUSIONS

There are increasing opportunities for organisations to partner on arts, health and wellbeing activities. This study highlights key factors influencing the ability to collaborate across sectors and to align with local and national policy agendas. The proposed conceptual framework offers a way to think holistically about how to design for and manage these collaborations.