Research on the underlying dynamics of leisure’s impact in arts venues

Amid the worldwide rise in cultural and creative tourism, art spaces are drawing increasing attention for their engaging and restorative properties. This research integrates both conceptual literature and empirical findings-examining the subject from multiple angles-to illuminate how public art environments affect visitors' emotions and level of involvement. Although extensive work has explored art's effects on emotions and psychology, the specific impact of emotional factors on visitor experiences within these venues remains under-investigated. Thus, this paper employs the SOR framework alongside mediation theory to delve into the connection between visual cues and visitor satisfaction in art settings. Data collected from 603 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling, which indicated that aesthetic experience mediates the link between visual quality and satisfaction, while cultural identity moderates the relationship between visual quality and aesthetic experience. These findings aim to equip managers with deeper insights into how visual attributes and emotional responses interact, thereby offering practical strategies for enhancing satisfaction in creative art tourism destinations.