The value of arts and culture to people and society Share this page When we talk about the value of arts and culture to society, we always start with its intrinsic value: how arts and culture can illuminate our inner lives and enrich our emotional world. The role an artist plays in society is largely dependent on the personality of the artist and on that artist's chosen subject matter. It’s an indicator of society. And it often is. Art is a reflection of society. Twenty years ago this week, the Congress passed the National Foundation of the Arts and Humanities Act. The major function of art is to show society for what it really is, even if it is unflattering. Recently, the Union-Tribune and other outlets released a litany of year-end reflection pieces. The Arts' Key Role in Our Society By ARTHUR SCHLESINGER JR. his is a year curiously dotted by anniversaries; and one must hope that, as we salute the bitter memories of war, a less dramatic anniversary will not slip by unnoticed. The Four Fundamental Roles of the Artist EXPLANATION EXAMPLE By: Julie Widmer The four fundamental roles are defined by Henry Sayre as follows: Intro "Most artists think of themselves as assuming one of four fundamental roles—or some combination of the four—as they approach their I’ve come to believe that the role of the arts today is to be a mirror and show society what it … What Role do Artists play in Society? As society expands and grows, art changes to reflect its new developments. With immigration becoming a growing trend, the world’s countries are expected to be more tolerant and accepting of those who enter their borders. Art is often a reflection or extension of personality. So it should stand to reason that in many ways it is a mirror of society. Also, art brings people together and gives people a chance to be part of a community. Because the arts include various branches of painting, music, literature, dance and other creative activity, they have a significant impact on society, religion, and education, thus deserve the same reverence bestowed upon the sciences. It provides a social connection with others. I believe that’s the role that the community and arts organizations as a whole need to play. At a Good Society Forum webinar on June 7 2020 Lebanese art expert Saleh Barakat, Dubai based art consultant Myrna Ayad and I were asked to contemplate the societal value of art. In addition to teaching self-expression, the performing arts help society as a whole in self-knowledge and understanding. When it was shown that art is a product of independent thought and inquiry the way was open for society and all of its institutions to become the objects of such inquiry. It can be a tool used to … Art that depicts social conditions performs social functions and often this art comes in the form of photography. Art and Society Art also has utilitarian influences on society. Without new artistic movements and new means of creative expression, society stagnates: trapped in established notions and unable to think in ways which can solve new-found problems. Genuinely revolutionary art only occurred when artists (and thoughtful people in general) realized that they could play a role … An artist can lead, follow, uplift or provoke with their work. I … There is a demonstrable, positive correlation between schoolchildren's grades in math and literacy, and their involvement with drama or music activities. Art is fueled by imagination, which allows us to grow and stretch beyond our boundaries. Art has played an important role in helping fight against intolerance of different cultures, racism, and other forms of unjust societal segregation. American photographer Dorothea Lange (1895–1965) along with many others often took pictures of people in conditions that are difficult to see and think about. 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