"Creative projects aimed at enriching a sense of community identity...can not only affirm the value of social and cultural diversity but also allow for an avowal of the importance of community in an uncertain world.” - Martin M & Smith P. (2009).
Participation in the arts is a cornerstone of vibrant, thriving communities. Beyond the intrinsic value of creating and appreciating art, engaging in artistic endeavours fosters a multitude of benefits that ripple through society, enhancing the quality of life, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a deeper connection among community members.
The arts are an essential public good that create a ripple effect of benefits felt throughout our community. They provide a unique expression of what it means to be human, that is fundamental to our nature and affects us all, through all the possibilities of participation in roles as artists, arts workers, practitioners, teachers, students, critics, supporters, and consumers.
There is now a well-established empirical evidence base supporting the view that the arts can make a vital contribution to our wellbeing. This can occur across a range of dimensions, from cultural to social and economic, at an individual, community and broader society level. The arts have the potential to bridge our worlds, harness the wisdom of our different views, engage our imagination to explore new ways of thinking, and create experiences that can be shared by all people in our community.
Creating Better Communities
Artistic participation is a powerful tool for community building. It brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Community art projects, such as murals, public sculptures, and local musical performances and theatrical productions, create opportunities for residents to collaborate and engage with one another. These shared experiences strengthen social bonds, encourage civic pride, and create a more cohesive, connected community. Changing the Way Places Look Art has the unique ability to transform the physical appearance of a place. Murals, sculptures, and public installations can turn drab, neglected areas into vibrant, attractive spaces. These visual enhancements not only beautify neighbourhoods but also make them more welcoming and engaging for residents and visitors alike. This transformation can lead to a renewed sense of pride among locals and inspire further community improvements.
Changing Perceptions of Places
When a community embraces the arts, it often undergoes a shift in perception. Areas once seen as undesirable can become cultural hubs, attracting new interest and investment. This change in perception can help to overcome negative stereotypes and highlight the unique character and potential of a community. By showcasing the talents and creativity of its residents, a community can rebrand itself as a dynamic and inspiring place to live, work, and visit.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
A thriving arts scene is a magnet for creative and talented individuals. Artists, musicians, writers, and performers are drawn to communities where their work is valued and supported. This influx of talent enriches the cultural fabric of the area and contributes to its overall vitality. Moreover, businesses and organisations seeking innovative and creative employees are more likely to establish themselves in communities with robust arts programs, thereby further boosting local economies.
Attracting Tourists and Visitors
Artistic events and attractions are significant draws for tourists and visitors. Festivals, galleries, theatres, and concerts attract people from near and far, bringing new energy and economic benefits to the community. Tourism stimulated by the arts can lead to increased spending in local businesses, from restaurants and shops to hotels and transportation services. This influx of visitors not only supports the local economy but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding.
Stimulating the Economy
The arts contribute significantly to economic development. According to various studies, the arts sector generates billions of dollars annually and creates millions of jobs. Arts organizations and events create employment opportunities, not only for artists but also for those in related fields such as marketing, hospitality, and event management. Furthermore, a vibrant arts scene can stimulate investment in infrastructure and amenities, leading to broader economic growth.
Connecting Communities
“The arts also support a strong democracy, engaging citizens in civic discourse, dramatizing important issues and encouraging collective problem solving.” Stern M.J & Seifert S. C. (2008).
Art has the power to bridge divides and bring together diverse groups of people. By participating in artistic activities, individuals from different backgrounds can find common ground and build mutual understanding. Community art projects often involve collaboration across cultural, socioeconomic, and generational lines, fostering a more inclusive and connected society.
Engaging Communities with New Ideas
The arts challenge us to think critically and see the world from different perspectives. Participating in the arts exposes individuals to new ideas and ways of thinking, encouraging creativity and innovation. This intellectual engagement can lead to positive changes in how people approach problems, interact with others, and contribute to their communities.
Changing the Way People Think, See, and Act
Art has the ability to inspire change on a personal level. It can provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire action. Through artistic expression, individuals can explore and articulate their experiences, beliefs, and values. This process can lead to greater self-awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. By engaging with the arts, people are often motivated to act in ways that reflect their newfound insights and perspectives.
Creating Art for Its Own Intrinsic Sake
Finally, it is important to recognise the intrinsic value of art. Creating and experiencing art for its own sake is a fundamental human activity that enriches our lives and connects us to our shared humanity. The joy, beauty, and meaning that art brings to our lives are invaluable, providing solace, inspiration, and a sense of wonder.
There is an increasing recognition that even a modest investment in the arts can deliver a significant return on investment for government agencies and the private sector. Arts-based initiatives are being adopted to engage public debate, to create vibrant public spaces, to connect and inspire communities, and increasingly, to provide skills development and employment opportunities.
Lane Cove has seen significant investment in sports and sporting facilities over the last twenty years, yet the arts have not received the same level of support and enthusiasm. Both arts and sports are vital to the development and enrichment of communities, each offering unique benefits and addressing different aspects of human experience. Equally, thousands of men, women and children participate in arts-based programs every week – rivalling, if not equal to, that of sports participation in the community. The promotion and financial support for the arts is just as important as the resources that contribute to sport and local sporting facilitates. While the arts foster creativity, cultural expression, and emotional well-being, sports promote physical health, teamwork, and community spirit. The differences in their approaches and impacts highlight the importance of supporting a diverse range of activities to build well-rounded, vibrant communities. By valuing both the arts and sport, communities can create a balanced environment where individuals thrive, and collective bonds are strengthened.
In addition to the personal and inter-personal skills that arts participation offers, we citizens engaging in the arts learn academic skills that help them in further in study and at work: Analysis, Problem solving, Reasoning, Abstract thinking, Conceptualisation and Creative thinking
Performing arts programs offer children and youth in our community a benefit they usually do not find in an ordinary classroom at school, instead of just gaining knowledge about things, they gain knowledge about who they are and what they can do. This helps kids grow into better adults, parents and citizens. It is also important to remember that the arts build cultural bridges, bringing greater understanding and communication in our community. Studies have also shown that youth who participate in the performing arts form stronger ties with the community and more often, tend to return and/or settle within the community and perform community service as adults.
Participation in the arts is essential for creating vibrant, resilient communities. We are so fortunate to live in a community where community-based organisations such as the Lane Cove Music and Cultural Association, Lane Cove Theatre Company, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra, Lane Cove Community Bands and Gallery Lane Cove offer a myriad of opportunities to take an active role of participation or that of appreciation of their offerings as an audience member. Active involvement transforms the physical and social landscape, stimulates economic growth, and fosters deeper connections among individuals. By engaging with the arts, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the greater good of our communities and society as a whole. The transformative power of the arts is undeniable, making them a vital component of any thriving, connected community.
This article was written by Trent Gardiner