The Benefits of Art
Introduction
Some of the earliest records we have of humans come in the form of handprints on cave walls and simple animal carvings. Undoubtedly, art has been a part of humanity for as long as it’s existed. Today, in a society obsessed with profit, the arts often fall by the wayside. And not just visual art– writing, music, poetry, craftsmanship, and more suffer. What is it about art that makes it worth preserving? Let’s take a look.
Art as Culture
Art is, above all else, a means of expression, both personal and cultural. Art has been used as a medium for political activism over centuries, as well as a way to express personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Finally, art has been one of the primary resources historians turn to when studying ancient civilizations– things such as pottery and stone carvings often survive the test of time better than artifacts such as writing or clothing, and often, they are the only clues historians have as to how ancient peoples may have lived. However, art is not only important for preserving cultures lost to time: many people from downtrodden or historically oppressed communities use art as a means of preserving their cultures, which are in danger of fading. Many Native American artists use both traditional and contemporary art to this end.
Preserving Art and the Arts
Art is a creation of the soul; to create art is to partake in being human. Yet, sadly, many schools find their arts programs underfunded, and many adults feel that they do not have the time or energy to make art, and certainly not full time. How can this be? In the modern American social model, art has fallen by the wayside. It is seen as unprofitable, and therefore unimportant. Yet, despite this, thousands, even millions, of people still manage to create art. Creation is tied up inexorably with the human soul, and always has been. This is just as well– the creation of art is vital to preserving modern culture and society for posterity. Certain groups exist for the curation and preservation of modern art, particularly as it relates to certain cultures or subcultures, but these groups are largely volunteer-run, and art preservation is, in general, an underfunded enterprise. Therefore, the importance of open, public spaces such as parks, libraries, streetsides, and galleries cannot be undersold. Public display is vital to the continued preservation of visual art!
Benefits and Art Therapy
Art as a vessel for culture is all well and good, but what about the individual benefits of making art? Creativity in and of itself is good for the brain– it creates neural connections and helps you unwind. Furthermore, art helps the creator to look hopefully to the future– Dr. Girija Kaimal, art therapy researcher and professor, speculates that “[the] act of imagination is actually an act of survival… it is preparing us to imagine possibilities and hopefully survive those possibilities” (NPR). Creating art also activates the reward center of the brain and helps with deep focus. Furthermore, art therapy has shown itself effective in improving emotional states in those with developmental disorders or PTSD, as well as in those without!
Conclusion
Claire Stasiewicz, project manager of the World Folk Art Movement, says, “Art saves culture through passing on tradition; art saves language, music, and craft; art saves families and communities through economic and social development… Also, art saves lives by providing employment and safe spaces for individuals around the world” (WFAM). Art is an unshakeable aspect of humanity, and one that, despite everything, will not be going anywhere any time soon. Next time you’re feeling sad, hopeless, lonely, or overwhelmed, pick up a pen, pencil, or paintbrush– you might just find yourself feeling better afterwards.
Sources:
“Research.” American Art Therapy Association, 22 June 2017, https://arttherapy.org/research/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.
Jackson, Maria Rosario; Hodgson, Kimberly; Beavers, Kelly Ann. “How the Arts and Cultural Sector Strengthen Cultural Values and Preserve Heritage and History.” Community Heritage and Culture, American Planning Association, 2011. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.
Gharib, Malaka. “Feeling Artsy? Here’s How Making Art Helps Your Brain.” NPR, 11 Jan. 2020, https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/11/795010044/feeling-artsy-heres-how-making-art-helps-your-brain. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.
