We argue that ‘quality of life’ is a multi-dimensional concept which encompasses a range
of domains – broadly in the areas of social economic and environmental – and that these
domains are able to be assessed both objectively and subjectively. The cultural planning
model, which demands a ‘bottom up’ approach to defining the culture of an area, is a
useful starting point. It offers a concept which looks across the policy agenda –
embracing the cross-cutting role of culture. However, building on the idea of cultural
vitality it might also be useful – and more manageable—to look at the role of culture and
sport in one domain and develop measures to assess the impact of culture and sport in this
area, for example, in relation to ‘social connectedness’, where we have seen the role of
culture and sport assumed. Alternatively, ‘well-being’, as a domain of quality of life, is
measured in the psychology literature using satisfaction or happiness scales.