The Arts in Urban Environments....
This past week we had a guest speaker who enlightened us on the rise of arts in urban environments. He discussed Roanoke as an example of a city that is trying to being more focused on the arts through the creation of an arts council and local arts involvement. The most interesting aspect was his discussion of the Marginal Arts Festival. It seems that many cities are now including the minor arts in their arts movements in order to try and promote community involvement and continued support of the arts. Education of the arts is important to childhood development and although federal funding for art education has been cut by 70% in the past three years there are organizations that are stepping in to fill the gap. Studies have shown that children and young adults who are exposed to art and art education are more likely to support and go to museums, galleries, etc. when they are adults. If we want to continue to provide art museums and other art related institutions in cities it is necessary to keep art education in elementary schools alive. Promotion of the arts through local events is one way to keep the arts on the minds of communities. By providing arts cities can show citizens that their best interests are at the heart of the government and that community programs and community involvement are important to civic leaders and urban planners.
-Kate Chambers
Great post Kate! It's great to hear that more cities are incorporating art into their communities in hope of getting more people involved. And I couldn't agree with you more when you said, "By providing arts cities can show citizens that their best interests are at the heart of the government and that community programs and community involvement are important to civic leaders and urban planners."
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that cities are putting their effort on aesthetic values. It's sad at the same time to hear that the government had to cut the federal funding. Since there isn't much budget to support art nowadays, however, we have to use our budget sparingly, not wasting it on something worthless.
ReplyDelete-Hae Jin Kye-
While I agree with everything mentioned in your blog, I have to wonder about the number of people that will attend these art festivals in case these same people aren't attending the museums. Like mentioned, I think the true problem remains with the educational system. - Marielle Barnes
ReplyDeleteIn response to Group 11 - Calling the arts "worthless" is what contributes to the mentality that the arts are a trivial part of life. Access to musical, visual, and performing arts is what allows the public to develop a sense of cultural significance and individuality. Students who are empowered through art are often students who are more successful in their ability and will to learn. Education is the foundation of the American way of life, and preventing children from accessing art is robbing our children of the experience to truly grow.
ReplyDelete- Leigh Mathewes
I would also like to say that I agree with your statement. The arts and creativity are one of the many qualities that separate us from the mindless animals. Studies have even gone to show that students who are involved in the arts get better grades than those who don't. As shown here: http://www.heartsandbones.com/markwagnernews/markwagner26reasons.html
DeleteEven Modern Art that people consider to be "easy" are still vital forms of expression.
somehow i am logged in as someone else. this is Ameen Mustafa
DeleteLeigh, I'm not entirely sure that's what group 11 meant. The grammar isn't great, but I read that the funding was cut for other programs that are considered worthless by group 11. Either way I agree the arts are very important and create the culture that makes life more enjoyable and interesting.
ReplyDelete-Neal Moriconi group 22
Great post and follow up article! it was very interesting how you brought up about the Marginal Art Festival. I think every city should try to implement this idea because culture and arts are crucial to the development and the layout of the city. Having fancy art and culture will overshadow other little small things that the city might offer and it might bring more foreigners to visit certain cities if there was more art around the whole area.
ReplyDelete-SeongHo David Choi
Thanks for sharing this post...
ReplyDeletecrowd funding