The Importance of the Arts !
The arts do not just delight and entertain... they have the power to heal. But there is much more: creativity knows no bounds! The arts address the full range of human experience - and beyond!
The arts are a necessary element of human development and learning: They reflect significantly in the quality of life, in education and in the abilities one retains later in life. Creative thinkers, whether teachers, entrepreneurs, inventors, problem solvers, all utilize the special cerebral faculty which extends to most any form of planning, development or even the skills necessary to run a company or working in human resources. Art is an inborn trait of human life and function, influences nearly all of one's activities and imparts vital skills. It makes you more than a creature that just exists but instead one that is reaching for more than just survival.
The arts speak to intuitive truths. Humans purposely create art because our brains can make complex, abstract connections. We do "conceptual blending" - a term that is becoming popular to describe the ability of the mind to find similarities and create ties between different ideas and objects. These skills allow us to understand symbols and metaphors as well as imagine scenarios that would be totally metaphysical or impossible or at least not part of our life experiences. Being human is about wanting to be something more than just human. The arts give you one of the best ways to rise for they are both and end in themselves and a means to everything else. It is an inseparable part of you as your own mind, heart and soul. It is likely unique to our species.
We make blends that are neurological in nature, but the results are artistic. This has allowed us to make language, philosophy, religion, writing, math, and the sciences. It is precisely this blending ability that leads can lead to even higher forms of art! But more importantly, it provides the medium for a greater capacity to learn as well as a more efficient means of learning! A dry written sentence without meaning has little impact on the brain. Remember how difficult it is to learn by rote? In the West we are not taught to learn or think holistically. When we blend emotion, action, tactile stimulus, sound and visual connections we increase learning and intelligence. This is done objectively and subjectively.
Current research indicates that arts learning may significantly improve math skills, attention and general intelligence! Music, Dance, visual and graphic arts, cinema, theatre, sculpture to name a few... all arts are important! Not just in terms of increasing personal IQ and EQ (Emotional Quotient), arts have an emotional effect as well. They can serve as a release, an inspiration, an aid to growth and higher consciousness.
Various arts and their mediums can affect different people in many ways. The neuropsychological stimulated pathways can extend to interaction of kinetic, auditory, visual, olfactory, even gustatory reactions. Indeed the arts are so powerful that historically some world leaders have recognized that the adaptation and survival of their own children and their children will depend on it... not just in terms of culture, but the development and advancement of their own generation.
FUNDING and support for ALL the Arts is necessary: whether it be a school, community center or via the media! When exposed to art - you are a participant. Whether it is in the creation or the or as the observer - the entire nervous system is stimulated. There is a synthesis of senses, thoughts and emotions. Other neuromuscular and physiologic reactions that occur. Often there is an endorphin release such as with laughter; there are subsequent brainwave states such as alpha and theta for relaxation and creativity, or beta for math and logic responses. Learning occurs as a result of art. New pathways of thinking and retention are forged. Efficiency is improved. If we diminish support for art in any of its many forms - we cheat ourselves and our children out of development and the creative skills necessary for our survival!
Exposure to the arts increases the educational capability of the brain. It provides us with an increased capacity to relate and interrelate to create new ideas. Art rehearses brain circuits for other things. Parenting, survival skills,'E.Q.' - these are just some of the mental benefits of creativity! It is analytical, problem solving. Aristotle said ' Metaphor is the hallmark of genius.
Other studies showed that juvenile crime dropped 27% after involvement in an arts program, and that arts involvement led to a drop in repeat criminal behavior.
Arts leads to shorter hospital stays, less medication, and fewer complications.
Arts increase graduation rates, higher academic performance, better test scores, and more community service.
Who needs the arts? We all do - for the sake of our own survival!
Need More? Read on:
America for the Arts says that students who participate in the arts at least three days a week:
Are four times as likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
Are three times more likely to be elected to a class office.
Are four times as likely to participate in a math and science fair.
Are three times more likely to win a school attendance award.
Are four times more likely to win a writing award.
Are four times more likely to participate in youth groups.
Are two times more likely to read for pleasure.
Are four times more likely to perform community service.
And finally, what would an advanced alien civilization visiting Earth actually be interested in? Certainly not things they already know about - but our unique Arts!
A good resource for research articles relating to the arts and brain development is the Dana Foundation: http://dana.org/
