What’s the Question? Arts Is the Answer.

Dear Jessica Brennan,

When you search for “arts funding” in the news, you’ll often see the word “cuts” pop up. However, science shows that art and creativity benefit our mental health. They help prevent dementia, improve focus, boost the immune system, and increase self-esteem. The University of Calgary even reported that making art lowers cortisol levels and makes us feel better.

So why are arts and arts education often the first things cut from budgets? Why are they the last to come back? Is it because these programs need funding and aren’t considered essential for graduating? What about those who want a career in the arts? Why not cut things like Bunsen burners and trigonometry textbooks instead? I learned more from my trumpet in high school than from basic trig functions.

In our house, we never go out to enjoy a night of inverse trigonometry problems. We do go to concerts and galleries, though.

About ten years ago, I talked with a band in a green room as they waited to go on stage. They were worried about cuts to school music programs and wanted to get unused instruments out of basements and into students’ hands. That band was The Tragically Hip.

In our house, we don’t listen to The Hip, but we do understand the benefits of music education.

Should the government fund the arts? You know my answer. If you look up “Top 10 things to look for when relocating,” arts and culture are in the top 10, often around #5, making them necessary for a thriving society.

In our house, we find it ironic when the very politicians who cut arts spending ask us to perform at their events for free. There is usually some swearing when these requests come in, and then we decline the invitation.

The arts feed the economy of any city and the souls of those who participate. Recently, I heard a quote about the role the arts played in saving New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina:

“A lot of people think that the arts are disposable. What they don’t realize is it’s the answer.” – Phil Rosenthal

Thanks, Phil.

Love,
Mum xo

Image credit: Childlike Music