In the city of Memphis, not only are we known for our sights and yummy food, we are also known for the immense talent that comes from within our city. But, growing up in the south, there are no lush green fields with flowers or grand amazing houses or neighborhoods. There is only overgrown grass, busted brick walled properties and the memories of those who came before us, and those that we’ve lost. Memphis is full of great talent, and brilliant minds. Therefore, this next generation cannot be reduced to walking around mindlessly, not knowing the great leaders, the art, the talent, or the story of this city, least known the rest of the world. Memphis needs to know the arts and culture of this great city, and the rest of the world.
As told by Oxford, art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Art can simply be defined as the various branches of creative activity, such as painting music literature and dance. Art is at least 40,000 years old or older and there are 7 different forms to learn from and about. Even though there are two major categories there are 195 countries and many different customs all over the world to study their art forms. The possibilities are endless and there are no limits. The only thing you would have to do is pick an art form, an era and a country. As you may know art is one of the things most known about memphis. On almost every building you come across there is graffiti. Or under every overpass there is a mural of a thousand words ready to tell a story.
How Has Art Developed Over The Centuries?
From cave paintings and drawings, to the graffiti we see on brick walls. From tribal traditional dances, to viral dances and dance teams. Visual art has developed in countless ways over the last 40,000 years and counting. Visual arts such as music dancing and sculptures have told stories of era’s of the simplest times and some of the most complex through expression and storytelling with artifacts to accompany them.
As told by Dictionary.com, Culture can best be described as the sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another. Culture is transmitted, through language, material objects, ritual, institutions, and art, from one generation to the next. Culture can also be identified through these different sub categories: history, religious beliefs education(formal and informal), security and protection and relationships( political and social). In simpler, words culture is basically the way we act or the things we do in society today. Today’s culture was not always like this at all. In fact it has changed a lot, from the way we dress, the way we communicate or the slang we use.
The Impacts of Creativity on the Brain
Dr. Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist in Santa Barbara, California says “The increasing buzz about a creativity crisis comes at a time when neuroscience and cognitive science research are increasingly providing information that correlates creativity with intelligence; academic, social, and emotional success; and the development of skill sets and the highest information processing (executive functions) that will become increasingly valuable for students of the 21st century.” And contrary to popular belief whether The latest findings from the real neuroscience of creativity suggest that the right brain/left brain distinction does not offer us the full picture of how creativity is implemented in the brain. Creativity does not involve a single brain region or single side of the brain.
Research has shown art affects the fundamental sense of self. Painting, sculpture, music, literature and the other arts are often considered to be the repository of a society’s collective memory. Art is essential because it encloses- all the developmental domains in child development. It lends itself to physical development and the improvement of fine and gross motor skills. Through art, children go through self discovery and build their self esteem through different activities. Art reflects cultural values, beliefs and identity and helps to preserve the many different communities that make up our world. Art chronicles our own lives and experiences over time. We need art to understand and to share our individual and shared history.
Benefits Of Promoting The Arts And Culture
An economical benefit, would be the money that would flow throughout the city due to the tourists that would flock. Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. Research has shown art affects the fundamental sense of self. Painting, sculpture, music, literature and the other arts are often considered to be the repository of a society’s collective memory. Art reflects cultural values, beliefs and identity and helps to preserve the many different communities that make up our world. Art chronicles our own lives and experiences over time. We need art to understand and to share our individual and shared history.
In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. With all of the new music, new artists, and new trends on social media, and the influence of medias biggest stars today, it’s easy to say that the culture today just might be one of the reasons for societies downfalls. But just think theoretically if you will. Just by nurturing a child, empowering them and helping them realize their true potential and what they might be capable of. They could easily, with one decision decide if they want to break societies curse and make people think outside the plot. All this can be done by informing them of their culture and giving them the tools of art to utilize, and a child can change the world with just one stroke of their utensil.
For example I have been to countless platforms and venues in different cities and states and have witnessed the joy in creativity that students nationwide get from expressing themselves in different manners of art. This event was called Brave New Voices and this was an international event. There were students of different nationalities, religions, and ethnicities. And they were also strangers to one another. Yet they all connected through music, culture, art, and poetry. Somewhere students that probably have never been outside of their state, city or country. Just think, had it not been for someone informing and teaching these students about creative writing and convincing and guiding them to come out of their comfort zone to tell their story, this event would not be possible.
