Artists have been a major part of humanity since the beginning. They inspire and shape how we think, and they answer questions that we’re too afraid to ask ourselves. They give us a new perspective and better understand our world. In short, they help us survive. Without art and creativity, our societies would be boring and bland. Not only that but they would cease to grow and change. We need art and creativity if we want to move forward as humans.
The Link Between Art and Creativity
Creativity is what distinguishes humans from all other species. We create art because it’s an essential part of our survival. It’s important to represent different cultures, retrace history, evolve as a society, and shape the future of humanity.
Art is the expression or application of human creative ability and imagination, usually in visual forms such as painting or sculpture, or in an aural form such as music, creating works that are valued primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Creativity is the process of developing new ideas, concepts, beliefs, or solutions.
The term “creativity” is used in various contexts to describe productivity, human intelligence, emotion, and other qualities associated with creative practice.
The Importance of Art and Creativity in Human Life
Art and creativity are among the most important things in our lives.
We need them to survive.
Without art and creative work, there would be no laughter, no music, no imagination, and no stories.
Laughter and music aren’t practical in daily life. Without them, we’d still get along just fine. But without a sense of art, there would be no imagination and no stories.
There would be no way to escape reality and imagine a world other than the one we live in now.
That’s why it’s so important that children are exposed to art at an early age – so that they can use it when they want to escape from reality into their own imagination.
Some of the greatest writers, musicians, and painters were inspired in their childhood – when they were exposed to art at a very early age.
Related: Why Creativity Is Important
When Society Takes Art Away From Children, It Deprives Them of Something They’ll Need Forever
Creativity is essential to human development because humans are born with an innate desire to express themselves creatively. This desire is hardwired into our neurons – it’s in our DNA.
All humans have a natural desire for creative expression in all its forms: Music, dance, singing, writing stories
The Importance of Art and Creativity in Society
Societies need art and creativity to survive.
Art stimulates the human mind and helps people understand the world. It can make a society more stable and give it direction. It can serve to develop a sense of self-identity.
Art, in all its various forms, offers people the opportunity to express themselves, ask questions, address issues, document history, and record events as they happen.
It allows people to imagine a new future, explore an alternative universe, and dream up new realities.
Art can inspire people on a grand scale and connect them in peace.
Creativity allows societies to grow through change and accept that things and ideas can evolve over time. This means that art is critical for the flexibility to accept change – which is crucial for societies that need to adapt quickly to survive and thrive.
The Importance of Art and Creativity in History
Art is an essential part of human civilization and has been for thousands of years.
From the earliest cave paintings to contemporary works, art has enabled people to communicate ideas, tell stories, create beauty, and forge new identities.
Art was first used by early human civilizations as a symbolic communication system. Its meaning goes much deeper than simple communication.
The tools that prehistoric man used were crude by today’s standards, but the purpose was clear: to convey the meaning of our ancestors through symbols and images.
Through images, writing, music, and dance, these early societies expressed their hopes, dreams, and fears – everything they needed to communicate with each other.
Does Contemporary Art Matter in Our Modern Society?
Today, we rely on words – because most things are expressed verbally today. But these earlier forms of communication have influenced contemporary art in many ways – and also modern artists who use these techniques to express their views and feelings through new creative practices.
For example, graphic design, where graphic designers use technology in their creative process.
Art is a powerful expression of the society in which it’s created. It reflects the values of the time, documents cultural identity, and forms the basis for new esthetics and trends.
Contemporary art is a way to preserve culture even when societies are disrupted and displaced by war or natural disasters.
Related: Is Technology Limiting Creativity
How Art Affects Our Human Experience
Art stimulates the brain and improves your memory
Several studies have found that the presence of artwork in the classroom can increase students’ test scores and improve their grades.
According to scientific research, even a few minutes of looking at art can boost cognitive skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Art also improves memory. A study conducted by researchers at Northwestern College found that viewing artwork such as paintings and sculptures improves the ability to remember information.
Art promotes emotional expression
Art is a universal language that expresses our emotions, whether joy, excitement, sadness or anger. It’s an important way for us to communicate with each other and share our feelings.
Numerous studies have shown that art therapy can help patients overcome depression and anxiety by encouraging them to express their feelings through creative outlets such as painting, drawing, or sculpting.
It’s also been shown to relieve pain in cancer patients by lowering stress levels and increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
Art makes you feel
Anyone who’s ever picked up a paintbrush or danced around with a musical instrument knows that creating art can make you feel great! Studies have also shown that experiencing art has a positive effect on our emotions and makes us feel more human.
Imagine Living in a World Without Art and Creativity
Imagine living in a world without art and human creativity.
A world without literature, music, theater, and visual arts. A world without paintings, sculptures, symphonies, or plays.
Sounds pretty boring, doesn’t it?
The arts play an important role in society because they’re the means by which we communicate ideas, feelings, and emotions to each other.
They provide us with an outlet for expression and imagination. They help us make sense of our lives and the world around us.
They also inspire other art forms such as architecture, music, and literature, and help preserve culture for future generations.
Creating something new gives us a sense of accomplishment and joy.
It’s like solving a puzzle – you can see your own progress when you start with one idea or form of material and something completely different comes out in the end.
Related: Why is Film Important to Society
5 Examples of How the Art World Has Changed Society
1. The Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa, created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1500s, is known for more than just the mysterious smile that made this visual art piece so famous and popular.
Her original home is now a tourist destination with millions of visitors each year.
This single painting has become a symbol of feminism and the Renaissance.
2. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most significant symbols of love, created in the 17th century.
Architects, engineers, and travelers alike have marveled at its architecture and design. It’s also a historical landmark that’s had a tremendous impact on society.
The Taj Mahal has long been considered one of the most beautiful structures in the world, but it’s also had a great impact on Indian society.
3. Pablo Picasso, Guernica
When faced with war, art can play a huge role in trying to make sense of our surroundings.
War has been an inspiration for the creation of great works of art for many years.
This painting, created by Pablo Picasso in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, offers readers the opportunity to take a close look at a work of art and study something that wasn’t only created by a visual artist but also based on something that’s frightening and important in history.
Guernica is also an inspiration for many artists around the world.
4. The Beatles
The Beatles were a band that changed music and pop culture by bringing new attitudes and styles to the forefront in the early sixties.
The Beatles played a key role in society, uniting not only people of different nationalities but also of different generations, thus having a worldwide impact on society.
5. Banksy
Banksy is one of the most famous street artists today. His iconic street artworks are instantly recognized by the whole world.
Banksy is one of the greatest artists of the 21st century. Anonymous graffiti visual artist and activist Banksy has become famous for his street art that advocates social change.
Banksy’s work originated in the underground graffiti scene of Bristol and was part of a subcultural movement in the city that became known worldwide.
How to Become a Professional Artist
If you’re a young artist and wish to become a professional artist, it takes more than just talent.
It takes time, effort, organization, and commitment. While some creative professionals make a living from their art alone, many others pursue other employment to supplement their income.
How do you know if being a full-time artist is right for you?
Consider the following:
- Why do you want to be a professional artist? And in which area? (eg: visual art, fine art, performing arts, folk music, or another artistic expression)
- What’s your ultimate goal? (e.g., make a difference, make money, become famous?)
- Do you’ve enough new ideas to fund your career?
- Do you’ve the talent and discipline to develop your craft and creative process?
- Do you’ve time to create works of art in your everyday life?
- Do you’ve a set of skills that will help you market yourself and connect with galleries, collectors, producers and other artists in your field?
- Do you’ve the financial resources to continually produce work?
- Can you see yourself still doing this 10 years from now?
- Are you willing to learn other areas (e.g. marketing, sales).
- Do you’ve a contingency plan if you don’t succeed or go through difficult times?
How to Encourage Art and Creativity
If you aren’t a professional artist but want to support arts and creativity in your community, there are many ways you can do that.
Supporting the Art World is an effective way to improve the communities in which we live and work.
The first step is to determine what kind of support you want to provide. If you want to support an individual local artist, you can buy their work directly or contact local art galleries.
Many galleries sell their artwork online, while others offer visitors the opportunity to meet the artists in person by arranging tours of their studios.
If you want your work to be a catalyst for change, consider supporting local arts organizations such as museums, cultural centers, and theaters.
These institutions often struggle with declining government funding and rely on donations from individuals and businesses to ensure the continuation of their offerings.
The idea of supporting the arts is giving back to the community.
You can also consider getting involved with a local or global arts organization that needs volunteers.
For example, my socially engaged arts organization, World Citizen Artists, is always looking for volunteers from a variety of backgrounds (writers, podcasters, marketers, fundraisers, grant applicants, etc.).
The world has no shortage of creatives, though, and there are more ways to help the arts than to make art yourself.