Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library

Are the arts essential?, edited by Alberta Arthurs and Michael DiNiscia

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Are the arts essential?

bibliography

1245249649

edited by Alberta Arthurs and Michael DiNiscia

"Twenty-seven contributors - artists, cultural professionals, scholars, a journalist, grantmakers - were asked this question, "Are the Arts Essential?" In response, they offer deep and challenging answers applying the lenses of the arts, and those of the sciences, the humanities, public policy, and philanthropy. Playing so many parts, situated in so many places, these writers illustrate the ubiquity of the arts and culture in the United States. They draw from the performing arts and the visual arts, from poetry and literature, and from culture in our everyday lived experiences. The arts, they remind readers, are everywhere, and - in one way and another - touch everyone. Some respondents make it clear that the arts accommodate and expedite social change on issues of race, the environment, and social justice. Several write about the many ways that the arts address community and connection - in neighborhoods, or on the national, and even global scale. Others address ways the arts help individuals strengthen and grow, through arts education and cultural enrichment. Still others write about what we share, how we share, how we find each other through the arts, across divides of many kinds, including time. Every entry challenges readers to go beyond the usual in thinking about the arts and culture in the context of our challenging times. None of the contributors hesitate or equivocate - all of them soar in what they say and how they say it. These, too, are the attributes of the arts"--, Provided by publisher

Strengthening society -- Benefiting the individual -- Finding and fostering community -- Engaging the sciences -- Recording and sharing our histories