How The Arts Improves Community

Not everyone is fond in the arts, believe it or not.

Some people just don't find meaning in it, they don't participate in it and they simply don't like it.

However, just because some people think this way doesn't mean the arts don’t improve the communities they belong to. The arts are very important. They can be used for many purposes and have many beneficial effects, in a variety meaningful ways.

The work produced by the creator isn't necessarily the only factor that helps to improve communities. The artists themselves do as well. These passionate people are always faced with difficult challenges that result in them having to use their minds, and because of this, they can help us to develop a better future using creative answers and critical thinking.

Most issues arising in our world require creative solutions. That is why artists can be very beneficial in illuminating truth and connecting with our common humanity. The contribution of their skills and knowledge often inspire answers. These problems could be major, or simply figuring out what to do with graffiti in a specific area, or an under-trafficked public space.

The arts can be showcased in many different ways, whether through museums, art galleries, performing arts institutions, public art organisations, and more. They each have an opportunity to help engage specific groups of people with their passions, or to simply help them carry out creative community-building activities or neighbourhood programs. These allow and help people to be involved with their community in a beneficial way. They also attract attention and at times, if very popular, even tourists.

So basically, the arts in the community can help to promote interaction in public and community-based spaces and increase participation. The arts also help to engage youth in the community, which is extremely important as well. Including young people as meaningful contributors in the different types of aspects of community (social, economic, et cetera) should not be overlooked. Young people will be the future of the world and of the next generations, which is why fostering their knowledge and creativity is essential in building a better future.

Finally, the arts help to promote the power and preservation of place. An uncared for community that is dull and untended-to can make for a very upsetting and repellent community. However, when people become involved in the design, creation and up-keep of a place, it makes it feel more like home while also creating an interest in the maintenance of public spaces. When the community has a sense of connection or loving attraction to a place, it becomes better for people that work, live, frequent, or visit there. Feelings of respect, love and responsibility for the area bonds people to a specific location and their community.

Having sculptures, specially-designed buildings and places for artistic expression all contributes to the improvement of the community, making it a better and more efficient place for all to stay. Art has many benefits in a community and is an amazing way for all people, including youths, to become hands-on with and knowledgeable about their surroundings. 

Congratulations to Antonella for winning this writing challenge, answering: How The Arts Improves Community. Antonella wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Header Image: Simon Miraudo