When times are lean one of the first things to experience budget cuts are the arts programs. Music and art get cut in schools, there are fewer grants for local theater and music programs and the justification for it is that the arts aren’t really necessary. Is that really true? Many will argue that it isn’t. Can you imagine what Renaissance Italy would have looked like without all of the artists from that time period? Let’s look at why society needs the arts.
Art Encourages Creativity
Art of any encourages the artist to think and act creatively, the artist creates something completely new. It teaches practical lessons like design and creative problems solving. These real world skills help us come up with creative solutions to practical problems.
Teaches Us About Our Culture
Studying art history and art appreciation gives students the opportunity to learn about the origins of our culture. From early cave paintings to the digital art that is created today, all of it is a reflection of our culture. Through studying art and art history we get snapshots of the past and learn about the values and ideas that have been passed down through our culture.
Art is a Reflection of Ourselves and our Culture
Creative individuals use art as their medium to express themselves. Artists use art to convey what is going on in the world around them, from political commentaries to social issues. This can include everything from street graffiti to the music that you hear on the radio. Artists enlighten us to what is happening in our culture and what we need to change in order to grow.
Art Programs can Help At Risk Kids
More than any other group in our society at-risk kids need an outlet to express themselves. After school art and music programs not only give them that opportunity it keeps them from getting into trouble. These kids often come from single family homes in poorer neighborhoods, their parents don’t have the resources to enroll them in art and music classes that more affluent parents can. Afterschool arts programs give them somewhere to go and something to do, they get to learn new skills and how to problems solve differently. These programs are invaluable to the community.
We cannot underestimate just how important the arts are to our culture and communities. While art may not solve world hunger it does a tremendous amount of good. The world can always use more beauty!