Art, the Panacea
written by Jenni Miller
There’s a heck of a lot going on in the arts world these days, and Appalachian Jamwich’s page is buzzing! It’s no surprise that with so many diverse and innovative artists making the rounds, more communities are embracing the new styles and techniques that these talented creators have to offer, creating an enriched cultural experience which is welcoming to locals and visitors alike. Yet despite the obvious benefits of uniting individuals through concerts, festivals, fairs, galleries, exhibits, and a myriad of other exciting events and programs, the arts is still one of the most underfunded communities going. But why?
Bringing People Together, Empowering Local Communities
Even for non-art lovers, it’s easy to recognize the importance of the role that the arts plays within a community. We’re not just talking about government-sponsored arts endeavors, although these are essential as well for their contributions to the economic and cultural capital of a location. On a grass-roots level, the arts can do a whole lot of good, and it can serve in virtually any breadth of venues and settings. Take a look at local farmers’ markets, for example. Recent years have seen communities across the country go back to their traditions and invest in goods and produce which are sustainable, ethical, organic, and for a budget price, making them accessible for all. These are also great ways for local musicians to bust out a few gigs, and for craftspeople and artists to showcase their goods. The relationship is interdependent – while these markets give artists a venue to feature their work, in turn, it is the artists which draw attention and publicity towards the market = a win/win situation.
It’s exactly these kinds of events which bring communities together for good times, as well as encouraging spending in local, sustainable economies. But it’s also about who we are.
Timeless Tradition
Let’s face it – we love to celebrate. It’s a nationwide characteristic of the American dream. Appalachia, with its broad mixture of Native American and pioneer heritage, has cultivated an incredibly rich legacy of song which continues to thrive today. But whether it’s a solemn and heartfelt war memorial, a dazzling celebration of Independence Day, an appreciation of the harvest season (not to mention the holidays!) we covet our song, dance, and art. You can’t celebrate without spirit, and in Appalachia especially, celebrating life itself is reason enough for going to pickin’ a couple times a week, or checking out the latest studio. Imagine how quiet our world would be without it, and how people would no longer come to visit.
Our Spiritual and Intellectual Legacy
They say that the key to a free-thinking, open-minded and healthy society is to teach a person to think, rather than what to know. What the arts and the humanities gives us is an outlet for contemplating our thoughts and learning to think outside of the box, as well as immortalizing the struggles we have overcome. Arts is the voice of our collective consciousness – we only need to look at some of the revolutionary works of legendary artists like Bob Dylan to understand the immense social impact it can have, and how music in particular has the power to communicate a message and engage the mind and heart. Without the arts, we have limited outlets with which to stage our voice, and we lose connection with one another as well as with ourselves. With nothing to stimulate our intellect and emotion at the same time, we also miss out mental and emotional development.
Community Outreach
Harking back to sustainable economies, the arts gives us a fantastic opportunity to do good. Charity gigs are one instance where the community is brought together to raise awareness for a cause, attracting massive crowds. But art also possesses some potent healing attributes as well. Not only is art a great way to reach out to vulnerable people who need a shift in their focus, but it can be used as a form of therapy to help individuals and groups struggling with mental conditions such as Alzheimer’s as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, helping people to express what is other impossible in words, and triggering neurological responses that help to keep the brain healthy. In fact, it is becoming increasingly popular as a form of treatment for rehabilitation, with several organizations using art therapy as a primary method or in conjunction with mainstream practices. As the industry becomes increasingly open and experienced, there are more and more options available to those who seek alternatives – and it’s fun, too.
Happiness
A fair share of music and art can be brooding, tear-jerking, melancholy or even angry, but even this can have a positive effect when it’s helping us to get our angst out. Overall though, we get fantastic feelings of inspiration, joy, and even enlightenment when listening to our favorite bands or checking out the latest work by a beloved artist or writer. Surely, everything aside, happiness itself should be enough of a reason to treasure our arts community, and keep it going strong. Without it, we’re just existing.
ART – The Panacea – A Look at How Art Affects Us
