The arts are a powerful and vital part of life. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, they contribute over $7 billion annually in economic activity. They also provide jobs, foster creativity and innovation, enrich communities with diverse perspectives and content, preserve our culture through storytelling, build empathy between peoples, etc. Yet despite the numerous benefits, many people still do not participate in the arts or value them as they should.
If you’re someone who cares about the arts and wants to see them valued more highly in society, there are ways you can promote their importance to the people in your life. Here are some ideas:
- 1. Talk about why the arts matter to you.
- 2. Share your favorite art experiences with others.
- 3. Get involved in the arts yourself.
- 4. Advocate for the arts in your community.
- 5. Invite others to participate in the arts with you.
- 6. Be open to trying new things.
- 7. Learn more about the arts.
- 8. Support arts education.
- 9. Recognize that art is everywhere.
1. Talk about why the arts matter to you.
It can be infectious when you talk about the arts with passion and conviction. Other people will start to see why the arts are important to you and may be more likely to get involved themselves. Explain how the arts have positively impacted your life, why you believe they’re essential for a well-rounded education, or how they can bring people together.
2. Share your favorite art experiences with others.
Personal recommendations are always powerful. If you’ve had a great experience watching a production in a performing arts theater, listening to an opera, or visiting a local art gallery, tell other people about it! Describe what made it so special and why you think they would enjoy it too. You can also recommend specific pieces of art, performances, or exhibitions that you think they would appreciate.
3. Get involved in the arts yourself.
One of the best ways to promote the arts is to lead by example. If you’re an artist yourself or simply enjoy participating in art activities, others will likely be more interested in doing so as well. Attend art events, sign up for art classes, or volunteer with arts organizations. You can also support the arts financially by purchasing tickets to performances or donating to art organizations. There are a million ways to participate in and support the arts, so get creative!
4. Advocate for the arts in your community.
If you want to see the arts valued more highly in your community, get involved in advocating for them. Write letters to your local representatives, attend town hall meetings, or start petitions. You can also support arts organizations through fundraisers or by becoming a member. You can help make the arts a priority in your community by taking action.
5. Invite others to participate in the arts with you.
One of the best ways to get someone interested in the arts is to experience them together. Plan a night out to see a play or visit an art museum. You can also participate in art activities together, like painting or pottery. Not only will you get to enjoy the experience yourself, but you’ll also get to bond with the other person while doing something you love. This can be a great way to introduce someone to the rich world of art.
6. Be open to trying new things.
It’s important to remember that not everyone experiences the arts in the same way. What you enjoy may be different from what someone else enjoys. Be open to trying new things and exploring different types of art. You may be surprised by what you like! It’s also important to respect other people’s opinions and not force them to like something just because you do. Ultimately, everyone experiences the arts differently, and that’s what makes it so special.
7. Learn more about the arts.
If you want to promote the arts, it’s important to be knowledgeable about them. Read books about art history, watch documentaries, and visit art galleries. The more you know about the arts, the better equipped you’ll be to talk about them with other people. Plus, you’re bound to learn something new and interesting along the way!
8. Support arts education.
One of the best ways to promote the arts is to support art education. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as volunteering in schools, donating to arts programs, or advocating for arts education in your community. By supporting arts education, you’re helping to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the arts.
9. Recognize that art is everywhere.
You don’t have to go to a fancy art museum or performance to appreciate the arts. Art is all around us, and it can be experienced in many different ways. Take a walk outside and appreciate the beauty of nature, listen to your favorite music, or cook a meal using fresh, local ingredients. Art is everywhere if you just take the time to look for it.
The arts are a deep and complex part of human culture that can be challenging to promote. However, there are many ways you can get involved with the arts and encourage others to do the same. By getting involved yourself, advocating for the arts in your community, and supporting arts education, you can help ensure that the arts remain a vital part of our society.
