S
THE SOCIAL VALUE OF ART BY CARMEN HILDEBRANDEditor H
aving spent my professional carrier in both the social service and arts sectors has
provided some interesting perspectives on what we deem necessities, whether they are physical, psychological, or spiritual.
In my 20+ social work career, both front line and management, the question of what is essential to live a full life has proven to be quite complex. Of course I have dealt with assisting people to obtain the basic necessities in life, such as food, shelter and clothing, but I have also dealt with the whole ‘quality of life’ and ‘self-actualization’ aspects of our human existence. This is where for me the social value of art comes into play.
Art plays a vital role in reaching our human potential. Art is not only for the rich. Art is not only for the people who speak its supposed ‘secret language’,
We need art. Not only for its obvious reasons, such as aesthetics and beautifying our environment, but also for more subtle reasons. And putting my social worker hat on again, for developmental reasons in children and youth, as well as for healthy communities. Art has many social implications.
Art as part of the regular school curriculum, as well as special art programs for youth at risk have provided a multitude of positive outcomes.
a broader understanding of the world.
that may otherwise not occur, leading to socializing beyond family and neighborhood, and the bridging of cultural barriers.
and community building, including the formation of a shared history.
to increased resiliency, positive self-concept and positive self image.
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an abundance of transferable skills, thus provid- ing a smoother transition to adulthood and nec- essary job-skills. It also facilitates self-directed learning, leadership skills and teamwork, which can open avenues for problem-solving and entre- preneurship, with a view that mistakes are part of learning and part of the creative process. For example visual arts provide skills that can later be used in architecture, while performing arts in- crease reading and writing skills and increased comprehension and expression.
lower socio-economic standing, are less likely to drop out of school if they are involved in the arts.
will gain if we understand that art is something we need to integrate into the very fabric of society and at every socio-economic level. So here’s to art in all its forms, from the crayon- drawings proudly displayed on a parent’s fridge to the masterpieces that grace our walls, streets and landscapes!
If you are not convinced yet, or would just like to read more, the examples provided above are explained in more detail at the following sources:
Reframing the Debate about the Value of the Arts:
www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9106/index1.html
Personal and Social Development of Children and Youth - Creative City Network of Canada:
www.creativecity.ca/database/files/library/personal_social_ development_youth%281%29.pdf
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