General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: THIS is why we need art in our schools: [View all]AlbertCat
(17,505 posts)The current USA and especially (tho' not just) the GOP are all about quantity and quality is being ignored. I mean, who the hell wants to go to a school full of armed guards?
Art adds quality. It should be commissioned and paid for. Sure 90% of art is not Vermeer and Van Gogh, but that's true at any given time in history. The passage of time weeds out the chaff, leaving the yummy kernels for future generations.
It's not for kids. It's for adults. But in school, learning about painting teaches how images, color and symbols can move and effect people. Learning about theatre and poetry teaches how words can be wielded to say more than just their dictionary meanings. And also makes it possible to recognize BAD ACTING and INSINCERE THEATRE.... a very useful trait as an adult (especially at election time).
The history of all those paintings and buildings and plays and music gives you an idea of where you are in your own civilization, and who else has influenced your civilization.
It's simply not superfluous or just decoration. It's important.