Why art matters: Four ways you benefit from art

1. It’s good for your health

Here are only some examples of how art plays an important role in wellness and overall health.

• It has been shown time and time again, that people with dementia and other neurological diseases, maintain their ability to create art even after speech and language was weakened (Harvard Health Publishing, 2017).
• Viewing art has been scientifically shown to increase dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical in the body, promoting feelings of pleasure and positivity (The Telegraph, 2011).
• Participating in art therapy has been linked with lower rates of depression, stress and anxiety (Resources to Recover, 2018).

2. It boosts economies

You may not connect thriving economies to art, but here are some stats that show how art makes a difference.

• 65% of business leaders in Ontario say it’s easier to attract top talent to communities with a thriving arts and culture scene (Ontarians for the Arts, 2018).
• Amongst creative employers, 63 per cent of them would hire a more creative individual as opposed to one that is more technically skilled (The Conference Board, 2008).
• Cities that promote themselves as rich in culture and art often gain a competitive advantage that increases tourism and economic outcomes (Creative City Network of Canada, 2015).
• Communities with low economic and social conditions benefit greatly from an introduction of arts and culture (CMHC, 2001).

3. It allows young people to thrive

Picasso once said, “every child is an artist.” Here are some reasons to foster creativity in children.

• In many cases, art is the only reason youth are involved in their school and community, increasing engagement in education (Creativity City Network of Canada, 2005).
• Involvement in community-based art programs has been shown to increase confidence, interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem solving skills amongst Canadian youth (Wright, John, Offord and Row, 2004).
• Participating in the arts allows youth to develop job skills necessary to be successful later in life (Creative City Network of Canada, 2015).
• Youth in the arts are shown to be more active citizens and demonstrate positive leadership skills (Creative City Network of Canada, 2015).

4. It helps build a sense of community

Research shows art is at the heart of well-connected and thriving communities.

• Those participating in arts and culture have been shown to be more active in their communities, no matter their income (Walker, Scott-Melnyk and Sherwood, 2002).
• Art provides a greater respect for cultural and personal differences (Creative City Network of Canada, 2005).
• Art reduces feelings of isolation in both rural and urban areas (Voluntary Arts Network, 2005).
• A study from the University of Pennsylvania (2016) showed that a vibrant art culture in cities leads to greater child welfare and lower instances of poverty.
• Artistic spaces have been shown to foster cohesion amongst citizens (Wansborough, 2000).

Design and Visual Arts Scholarship Open House

Come explore Georgian’s thriving art community at the Design and Visual Arts Scholarship Open House, from April 26 to May 17!

See work from our various programs including: Art and Design Fundamentals, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Hairstyling, Interior Decorating, Honours Bachelor of Interior Design, Jewellery and Metals, Kitchen and Bath Design, and Photography.

Gary’s career has spanned more than two decades. His numerous solo exhibitions include Seeing Things: The Paintings of Gary Evans, which toured across Canada, as well as Station, a survey of paintings presented at the Art Gallery of Windsor. He has participated in group exhibitions across Canada and internationally at venues including Humber Arts and Media Studios in Etobicoke, Deluge Contemporary in Victoria, the Tina B. Biennial in Prague, and the Kaoshung Museum of Fine Arts in Taiwan. Evans is an OCAD graduate and the co-ordinator of Georgian’s Fine Arts programs, as well as the manager of the Barrie Campus gallery.