Megan Ruff

Period 6
Mrs. Fogelson
First Year Composition DE
Effects of the Arts on Society
Throughout the years, art has been found to be extremely important to society. Not only
is it used for expression, but it aids communities in thriving. However, now, many schools and
cities are cutting the arts, for financial or other reasons. Art in society affects cultural
appreciation, economical/environmental needs, and mental benefits which supports the
successful progression of American lives.
Without art, cultural appreciation would suffer greatly with no value given to diversity.
Due to arts different styles, they reflect different styles and themes from all over the world and
benefit neighborhoods with racial diversity. One study reports that neighborhoods with high
levels of racial diversity and low levels of income and industry diversity benefit most from an
arts presence (Urban Affairs Association). The youth, being able to appreciate these arts, are
able view the world from a different perspective and understand, as well as appreciate, these
cultures, as well as bring cultures together and make positive changes within them. Art also
connects the nation culturally by encouraging proactivity within the society. Sources from
Princeton reports that art within communities directly Builds social capital by getting people
involved, by connecting organizations to each other and by giving participants experience in
organizing and working with local government and nonprofits (Guetzkow), This change in the
community could create a larger appreciation for culture due to its diversity, which is expressed

and caused by the influence of art. Cultural and art appreciation within a society causes
communities to develop and improve in positive ways.
The cities that are found to have a thriving economy are, more often than not, those with
a booming population or are able to gain an interest from tourism and large companies. Many
people are attracted to art and culture, thus causing them to seek it out and the economy of where
the flock of tourists travel grows in one way or another. Some of the best, as well as most
accurate, findings within the United States presents that the tourists that an area attracts through
art, as well as culture, spend around twice as much as the locals within an area (Urban Affairs
Association).

(FIGURE 1:: Local Vs. Nonlocal Audiences shows the amount of people who use art) (Urban
Affairs Association). The non-residents that visit are crucial to a community and societies rely on
them. Their presence creates jobs, increases household incomes, and new attractions within their
community (Urban Affairs Association). The revenue brought in by the flood of visitors and new
residents solidifies the structure of an area and helps them take better care of its people, as it now
has adequate funding that it may have lacked before. Not only does it increase benefits for the
economy, but it increases benefits for the people within the environment. Within states such as
Philadelphia, schools, public safety, and health services could benefit from $169 million in taxes
fueled by art (Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance). This potential change in resources causes
people to live positive lives and become active and working members in society. Cultural
attractions through art within an area will often bring in revenue through visitors that rewards the
society/community.

Art also is a cause for healthy and creative ways of thinking that are desired in this
country and give way to more success. In America, students are often told to go above and
beyond the standard, and to think outside of the box. It has been proven that art encourages this
creative

thinking,

which

inspires

productivity.

(Figure 2: Art in the Office. Shows the effect of art on productivity).

This cause benefits many schools, offices, and workplaces as the positive effects caused by art
increases. Using art is an easier and more useful tool to enhance a persons learning, making
them able to learn more material efficiently and effectively produce work that reflects this. Half
of the human brain has been proven to easily function and attain skills when the subject pertains
to emotion or arts.

(Figure 3: Right Hemisphere Functions. Display the functions of the right hemisphere of the
brain). Art causes the brain to succeed in growing and learning rapidly, as it makes up more than
half of it. When art is presented in an engaging way, the brain, specifically the right side of it, is
stimulated and, thus, works more constructively. It also can build a stronger mental health, which
advances progress within individuals and leads healthy lives. Art has been proven to strengthen
the brain through relieving stress, releases positive endorphins, is a therapy for disorders such as
PTSD and depression, connects brain cells through communication, and much more that science
is discovering daily (Be Brain Fit). Art is directly affecting the brain and healing, as well as
strengthening it, advancing it to aid its growth. With healing and strengthening the brain, art
solves many common and serious problems. Art heals dominant issues found in a society: high
stress, occupational, mental health disorders, learning disabilities, brain injuries, chronic illnesses
(Be Brain Fit). Healing a society through art causes the structure to become stronger and show
greater development.

A majority of mental, economic and environmental, and cultural effects within a society,
as well as within a community, are all benefitted by art. Through surveys, studies, and analyses,
it has been found that art is one of the most valuable and crucial tools within a society. The
effects that art causes are an appreciation for culture and betterment within communities, an
attraction in funds from tourism, and a sane and effective society.

SOURCES CITED
Arts & Culture is a $3.3 billion economic engine for Philadelphia. Greater Philadelphia Cultural
Alliance. Web. April 20, 2016.
Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Arts & Culture Industry. Americans for the Arts, 2015. Web.
April 20, 2016.
Guetzkov, Joshua. How the Arts Impact Communities. Princeton University Center for Arts and
Cultural Policy Studies, 2002. Web. April 20, 2016.
Alban, Deane. The Mental Health Benefits of Art Are for Everyone. Be Brain Fit, 2012-2016.
Web. April 20, 2016.
Foster, Nicole; Grodach, Carl; Murdoch III, James. Neighborhood Diversity, Economic Health,
and the Role of Arts. Urban Affairs Association, 2016. Web. April 20, 2016.