The Value of Art
Experiencing art is important for everyone. Humans are creative by nature, and art in any form allows them to explore their innate creativity. We are all called to create or express art; we are all called to appreciate the artistic. The great value of art to humanity is unmistakable.
Art is valuable because it is a kind of universal language. People from every culture and background use art as a way to communicate with one another; it helps people share ideas, experiences, and feelings. When words fail, art is an expression of those thoughts that cannot be manifested any other way. Art makes people think and consider the perspectives of others, because it crosses social, cultural, and political lines.
Art is beneficial to human wellness. It has a positive impact on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Art relieves stress and improves mood; it promotes mental calmness, making it very useful in therapy settings. Art improves physical health according to research into the effects of art on health and well-being. It impacts physical health in ways such as boosting immune function, helping with chronic pain management, and more. Art contributes to the improvement of our overall quality of life.
Art is important because it inspires people. Art encourages people to connect with their imaginations and creativity in every aspect of their lives. It helps people expand the scope of their vision so that they can innovate, developing plans that address issues from a variety of points of view. Art motivates people, moves them emotionally, and encourages them to be open minded. The value of art shows in the different ways people respond to it, whether they create it or view the art of others.
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RESOURCES
- “The benefits art therapy can have on mental and physical health,” by Holly Tiret, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_benefits_art_therapy_can_have_on_mental_and_physical_health
- “Arts, Health, & Wellness,” by Judy Rawlins, https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/Arts%26America_HealthWellness.pdf
- “The arts play an important role in improving well-being, according to a WHO report,” by Sally Robertson, B.Sc., https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191112/The-arts-play-an-important-role-in-improving-well-being-according-to-a-WHO-report.aspx
- “What are the health benefits of being creative?,” by Maria Cohut, Ph.D., https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320947
- “The mental health benefits of art,” Scripps, https://scrippsamg.com/mental-health-benefits-of-art/#:~:text=Art%20and%20mental%20health%20can,and%20provides%20a%20relaxing%20distraction.
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Art From the Streets is an Austin-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1991 to give transient people a way to develop as artists and to use their creativity to climb out of homelessness. Purchasing artwork supports the artists directly. Donating to our program helps us to offer a free Open Studio for the homeless and at risk.
