Publication Date
1-17-2025
College
College of Music & Performing Arts
Department
Theatre and Dance, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Scholarship
Faculty Advisor
James Al-Shamma
SPARK Session
First-Year Seminar Paper Readings, 11:45-12:45
Presentation Type
Article
Summary
Art is everywhere. From paintings, to entertainment, even to gardening and architecture, art is an essential part of society and culture. However, art can frequently be trapped in its own bubble, seen as something of not much use to “real” professionals such as physicians, therapists, or scientists. This line of thinking discredits the flexibility of art. It is only through the analysis of art’s impact on society that one can see the broad array of disciplines that art can affect and thus see the true value of art. Focusing primarily on visual art, I seek to place a value on art outside of purely artistic circles. Through comparing various studies, it becomes clear that art has value outside of artistic circles because it can improve mental health, it evokes an emotional response, it preserves cultures, and it can be used politically. This conversation is important because art is an integral part of all societies, and learning about what value it has outside of purely artistic endeavors can be helpful to all jobs and all people.
Recommended Citation
Hatfield, Morgan, "Shifting Perspectives: Valuing Art For Its Usefulness, Not Just Its Aesthetics" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 295.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/295
