An opinion piece that has been highlighted many places but I still wanted to flag. The piece reminds one that the construct of “the arts” marginalizes artistic and creative activity. It makes the end product the focus of attention, rather than the role artistic activity is playing in society, the process of creating and participating in art, and the affect on people engaged through the work. “The arts” has its purpose in organizing a passionate interest group and securing resources, but I wonder if the cost is greater than the benefit, by separating artistic and creative activity from the causes and values that stand at the core of society’s purpose: educating our children, caring for the sick, ensuring safety, enabling civic debate, building community, etc.
