By Marilyn Delk |
| Dayton Magazine recently ran an article exploring the value of arts education, centering on its relevance to studentswho are entering the workforce after participating in visual and/or performing arts classes offered at local colleges and universities. Of course, those who are arts majors intending to pursue a career in the arts find value in those classes, but that positive reaction is definitely not confined to aspiring artists, with 1600 non-arts majors choosing to participate in arts classes at Wright State University where there are 550 total arts majors enrolled. WSU associate professor of art Tracy Longley-Cook explains that collaborative work and communication are two of the most important skills taught in arts classes, skills that are important for any employee in the workplace or just for being a well-informed citizen. Art department chair and professor Kelly Joslin of career-focused Sinclair Community College is quoted in this article, saying that skills that are valuable in today’s job marketplace such as critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity are enhanced by her school’s arts courses. “Engaging with the arts fosters cultural awareness, emotional intelligence and adaptability, making students well-rounded professionals,” she says. One University of Dayton music performance and theater studies major is quoted as saying that the arts provide a healthy outlet for stress and emotional expression, “allowing you to use a different part of your brain and learn to approach situations from a different perspective.” The student goes on to say that such critical thinking encourages introspection as well as a more profound observation of the world around us. According to UD Department of Music Chair Toby Rush, roughly 20 percent of students enrolled at the school sign up for a course in the performing or visual arts. The skills essential to those who pursue a career in the arts are recognized as enhancing job qualifications for non-arts majors as well. Gary Schmidt, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Wright State, says that skills students learn as arts majors can also be applied to many careers, and are not limited to those pursuing their craft professionally. “Acting majors tend to be articulate and self-confident and convey messages well,” he states. He goes on to say that you can find people everywhere–CEOs, human resources, team leaders in public or private sectors— with roots in the arts. Unfortunately, ever-changing funding structures often leave the arts vulnerable to budget cuts at schools of all sizes. However, Marya Cordes, WSU Associate Chair of Fine and Performing Arts argues that partaking of the arts provides the difference between being human and being a robot. “The arts provide the color on the walls, the music in the air, the beauty from within,” she explains. For most of us, a world without those essentials to life would not be a place in which we want to live. The magazine article closed by encouraging the public to experience first-hand local arts events. Visit an art gallery, take in a concert, enjoy a play. While the events referenced in this article were at the academic institutions mentioned, my recommendation includes expanding that experience to local school arts events as well as presentations by arts venues and organizations—of course including Darke County Center for the Arts in our community. The arts are an essential component of a full life, inspiring souls and bringing joy that can be shared with others regardless of factors which divide and isolate us. |