Someone asked me recently why I considered it so important to support young creative artists. They were asking in part to question if my support was solely driven by having kids who gravitated towards the arts.
I was honest in telling them that while yes, my focus on the creative arts where young people are concerned began with my own journey parenting kids who were interested in, and later passionate about, music and acting. But the deeper they drew me into the creative arts world, the more I began observing that though I enjoyed them, I had never given much thought to the profound power of the creative arts.
Many of us were awakened to just how much connection and community shared experiences with the art gave us as we experienced the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. With a sudden cessation of theater, concerts, art shows, movies theaters, music venues and every other social gathering, we quickly felt the loss of the shared experience the arts gives us to connect with one another.
During that time of great anxiety, we were also made aware of how the arts help manage stress and anxiety. Whether through music, literature or visual arts, or dance, the arts offer easy to forget about the world for a little bit and focus on something beautiful, uplifting, thought provoking or simply distracting. For many of us, we gained an instant appreciation of the media arts, as we binged on streaming services and discovered new YouTube channels.
We also found how central the arts can be an accessible way for people to express or relate to emotions they may not have the words to communicate. It’s a medium to share challenging thoughts, feelings and experiences. When people felt scared, frustrated, isolated, angry or sad they were able to communicate that through the arts – and feel less alone in that shared experience.
Creative arts are also beneficial for society as a whole. They may serve as a bridge and sense of shared culture between people who have little else in common. In this time of such divide amongst so many, mutual appreciation of a song, mural or movie can provide a moment of connection – and shared humanity.
Arts education encourages kids to express themselves, as well as play a vital role in the development of cognitive skills. Studies have shown children who are exposed to the arts perform better in math and science. The arts support critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They can help to develop emotional and social skills, working on a team and how to communicate with others effectively. Children who participate in the arts practice frustration tolerance, failure, and can develop self-confidence and self-esteem through their experiences.
Literature can allow readers to experience the thoughts and feelings of characters, and help us relate to a different human experience. Music can evoke deeply buried emotions or create a sense of joy – and catharsis. It plays an important role in education as an effective tool to teach a wide range of subjects, from language and literature to history and mathematics.
Graphic designers create visual concepts that communicate and captivate attention quickly. A simple drawing can bridge a language barrier when working to communicate important information. I experienced this while traveling during a semester abroad; even when I did not speak the language in a new country, I did not worry about being able to locate a bathroom, knowing where to find my luggage or how to get to transportation. Universally understood icons – or drawings, allowed me to make my way with a fair degree of confidence.
Photographers can capture great emotion or beauty in a still frame. Videographers can tell stories that can be understood with or without an understanding of the language of the protagonists. Actors can transport us to another world to entertain or inform the audience. The arts contribute to part of what makes us human and is a key part of our culture
As a parent, the more I began to look at the arts in this broader sense, the more committed I became to the task of nurturing and supporting young people who were drawn to the arts. Understanding that an integral part of cultivating artists who are committed to creating and sharing their art is creating environments where they are encouraged and validated when they are willing to jump in, take risks and explore creativity. I believe the best and most powerful place to begin is at home, with parental figures who believe in and facilitate their child’s relationship with their art. By supporting young artists, we are supporting a future world which encourages shared human connection.
