How to Make a Difference Through Art
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Color and form affect us in subliminal ways.Jupiterimages/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Help others to see your vision. Visual art speaks to us on a conscious and subconscious level. Visual art is so powerful that a psychological disorder known as Stendhal syndrome affects some individuals when viewing wondrous works of art. The syndrome causes dizziness, confusion, or hallucinations. That art can have such an impact on our emotions, gives us reason to value the intimacy between artist and viewer and use that power to make a difference. An artist can transform the hearts and minds of others, even if it is just to make a person open their eyes and see the world in a new way. Our visceral reaction to a work of art helps us to look deeper into our own conscious. - 2
Many artists devote their time and work for issues that are dear to their hearts.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Fund-raise for your favorite charity. Hold a benefit concert. Music artists have the highest profiles in the arts. Many famous musicians promote awareness of social issues through their songs, and performing at benefits. From Live Aid, Band Aid, and other large concerts, to local events, a musical fundraiser always draws a crowd. Dance and theatrical performances have raised awareness and money for many deserving charities. Visual art auctions are another means to promote and fund a worthy cause. - 3
Art is a natural expression and should be encouraged in children.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Educate with art. Children benefit from art classes from an early age. It helps them to express their feelings in ways that may not be possible with words. Teaching art to children inspires and brings out their creativity. Budgetary restrictions have caused school boards to cut funding to art, or other programs that are not considered academic studies. Encouraging children to be creative helps them to grow in all areas of learning. Parents should advocate for art classes and encourage their children to pursue their talents. - 4
Communicating a political message is more effective when delivered artistically.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
Raise awareness on social issues. Artists working in all forms are at the forefront of the social justice and the peace movement. There is a long history of protest songs. For example, Billie Holiday recorded "Strange Fruit", in 1939. This song, written by Abel Meeropol, protested the lynching of African Americans. - 5
The mainstream art world and pop culture is often influenced by fringe artists.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Explore the fringe. Performance art, outsider art, graffiti, and tattoos are art forms that were once considered counterculture, but are becoming more accepted in the commercial art world. Outsider art was originally a term applied to art created by people with mental illness or the incarcerated. The term is now used in a more broad sense to describe an art form that is also referred to as "naïve", due to its simplicity. Many master artists were once considered on the fringe of society. Their work still provokes thought and influences contemporary artists.
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