Why Art?

From visual arts to literature and music to dramatic performance, the arts exert a powerful influence on societal development. Artists often challenge commonly held perspectives with innovative thinking. They raise awareness about social issues, break down barriers to cross-cultural understanding and global dialogue, and inspire creative ideas.

Did You Know?

• Art is Big Business. At the core of the multi-billion dollar film and video game industry are artists creating images and stories. Every commercial product is designed by artists from chairs to cars, space stations to iPods. A Van Gogh painting sold for 83 million dollars.
• In the USA, non-profit arts organizations generate US$ 135 billion in economic activity annually, supporting 4.1 million jobs and generating US$ 22.3 billion in government revenue.
• University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare and lower poverty rates.
• Numerous studies affirm that students who receive music education in school improve their SAT and ACT scores in math, foreign language and creative writing.
• About 86% of artists vote in comparison with about 60% of all Americans.
• Employment in arts-related jobs are set to rise 16% through 2016, which is faster than the national average in most fields.
• Art Develops the Whole Brain. Art strengthens focus and increases attention, develops hand-eye coordination, requires practice and strategic thinking, and involves interacting with the material world through different tools and art mediums.
• Art Prepares Kids for the Future. Creative, open-minded people are highly desired in all career paths. Art and creative education increases the future quality of the local and global community. Being creative is a life long skill and can be used in every day situations.

Quotes

“Arts are not the icing on the cake, but much more the yeast, and such a significant language for change.”Mallika Sarabhai, Dancer and Director, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, India

“I go to the ordinary people to hear their voices and to hear their plight. And through my music and the arts and the platform that I have, I am able to disseminate this information to the powers that be.”Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Singer and President, Princess of Africa Foundation, South Africa

Art has always been a mirror of society. Art reflects society, art criticizes it, and art always offers solutions to problems in society.”Senam Okudzeto, Artist, Founder and Director, Art in Social Structures, Ghana