The Eudemonic and Hedonic Impacts of Attending Live and Virtual Music and Art Events

Abstract

This paper examines the under-investigated well-being impacts of arts and music events attendance, in both a live and virtual capacity. Using eudaimonia and hedonia as a measure for well-being, three objectives were investigated; 1) Do live arts and music events meet attendees eudemonic and hedonic needs? 2) Do virtual arts and music events meet attendees eudemonic and hedonic needs? 3) How do live and virtual music and art events compare in meeting attendees eudemonic and hedonic needs? The study focused on attendee’s experiences having attended both live and virtual events. Using nine semi-structured interviews this research found that live music and art events offer more eudemonic and hedonic impacts for the attendee than virtual events. Additionally, participants at live events experienced hedonia, although it was unclear whether all participants experienced eudaimonia, achieving overall well-being. Participants of virtual events, on the other hand felt that the social aspects and atmosphere were lacking, while a few of the participants did not achieve any eudemonic or hedonic impacts on their well-being.