The list of components which greatly impact our quality of life normally look something like this:
- Social Connections (family & friends)
- Health
- Education
- Attitude
- Opportunities
.
But there’s another well documented – but often overlooked – aspect.
- The Arts (participation in and involvement with).
Yeah, that’s right. The VISUAL and the PERFORMING arts..
Why is it important?
Research indicates that people who have a background in the arts experience life at a very different level than those who lack that exposure. Things like . . .
- more developed habits of critical and creative thinking
- more perseverance and dedication to a given task
- better psychological and physical health
- greater self-discipline, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
- better performance on standardized tests
- more likely to remain in school
- enhanced healing and recovery from hospitalization.
Not to mention that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 BILLION in economic activity every year. Double WOW!!!
So, the old excuse “that’s just really not my thing” needs to be re-evaluated. The arts impact every single individual with a broad range of benefits.
Yes, you too.
Perhaps the words of acclaimed New York City acting teacher, Stella Adler sum it up best . . .
Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.
This principle applies to corporate officers as well as entry level employees. To both teachers and students. Doctors and patients. Architects and common laborers. None are exempt from the struggles of life. Likewise, the benefits of developing an understanding and appreciation of the arts are equally universal.
ARTWalk – Friday, April 16
Held in Alexandria’s downtown arts district (on the newly revitalized 3rd street corridor) – ARTWalk provides a fantastic introduction to the arts in Central Louisiana. It offers one of the best opportunities for area residents to sample a smorgasbord of creativity here in our own community.
In short, it’s about: painting, sculpting, drawing, crafting, designing, coloring, woodworking, jewelry-making, pottery making, knitting, sewing, decoupaging, getting your mosaic on, dancing, singing, drama, cooking, eating, drinking, shopping, friends, families, neighbors, and rediscovering our community by getting out of our houses TOGETHER at . . . ARTwalk!
To learn more about ARTWalk visit the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.
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April 28, 2010 at 4:31 pm |
Thanks David for this information. I will use it with my email friends to enhance their thinking when it comes to the arts.