Far too many people feel that artists don’t contribute to society when that’s far from the truth. Art is all around us: the music we listen to, the TV shows we watch, the video games we play. Without artists, bookshelves would be empty because there would be no one to write the novels we read; magazines wouldn’t exist because there would be no graphic artists to put the spread together; websites would be devoid of images because there would be no photographers to capture the world around us with their cameras. Artists are crucial members of our society, and most people don’t realize it because we take advantage of everything they do.
Art is a part of us all. Art is important to humanity—here are some reasons why.
Art is a Language
A picture is worth a thousand words, so the saying goes. There are roughly 6,500 languages in the world today, and art transcends all of them. It’s a language that everyone can understand no matter their native language because art knows no language barriers; photos and paintings can demonstrate what someone is trying to say through feeling alone.
Art is Therapeutic
Many people turn to art in times of stress. Whether they are trying to calm down their anxiety or need to take a break from a stressful work week, art allows people to sit down for a few hours and let creativity flow. The therapeutic effects of art are so intense that professionals use it to help those suffering from mental illnesses tackle their emotions and other challenges.
Art Draws out Emotion
Art evokes emotion in intense ways. From individuals to entire nations, artists can create pieces that make people pause and feel—viral films and songs alone have brought national or international awareness to certain causes because the artists behind those pieces evoked emotion from their audience. Art also inspires: how many people do their best work while listening to music? How many people study best through color coordination? That’s art.
Art Assists Human Development
Children’s lives revolve around art while they’re growing up. It helps children develop their motor skills, eye-hand coordination and impacts both their social and emotional growth. Art also helps to enhance cognitive development, which in turn impacts other skills, like math.