art unifies individuals, community - creates bridge

In the most basic way, art creates unity for the individual.  By making the uniqueness of the individual so visible, it is by its nature a unifier.

Art can also create unity within a community. As a vehicle for different people to communicate with each other and also as a way of giving a community its unique setting. Art is recognized as a vehicle for bringing not only creative energy and vitality, but also an increase in business to the participating communities.

In a parallel quote found in the Playbill Arts, the new conductor for the St. Louis symphony says:  "I tend not to think in terms of one mass of people that you unify, but rather as a field of play in which the inspiration might come from any group at any time, which then can be suddenly absorbed by the rest of the group."  I see this view of the orchestra as being akin to the way different individuals, groups and cultures can communicate through art.

In the Herald-Dispatch, artist Chris Worth explains succinctly, "I want all perspectives in my work. I don’t do art in a bubble … My goal is to bridge the community, and art is a beautiful place to start".  Notice that he sees the nature of art as being communicative and unifying.

Regardless of subject matter, art has the quality of creating unity.  Art is a language which crosses cultures.  It is a language which is accepting of alternatives by its very nature.  This acceptance and ability to look at ourselves and others is what makes art one of the prime unifying forces.

See Also

• Playbill Arts: Field of Play
  Anticipation of new St. Louis music director, David Robertson
• Lincoln Journal Star: Stories of Home artists, familes chosen
  12 families’ stories to be transformed into sculpture by 12 artists
• Nashua Telegraph: Nashua arts community teams up for gallery walks
  New artwork in Nashua - demomstrates the value of art in community development
• Herald-Dispatch: Marshall University graduate student says he wants art to be a bridge for Tri-State community
  Article about the relationship of special artist to art,community, and world.
• Inq7 - Healing the nation through art
  Article of an artist whose images are intended to appeal for peace and unity