Appreciating art brings out the greater good

People who visit art galleries or the theatre are more likely to donate to charity, regardless of their income, scientists have found.

The study by the University of Lincoln and University of Kent explored the attitudes of more than 30,000 people across the UK to establish the best predictors of “pro-social behaviour”, such as donating their time or money to good causes.

It found that those with engagement in the arts were more likely to volunteer and give to charity over a two-year period. The link was stronger than other factors such as gender and personal income, and personality traits like openness and playing sports.