“Holistically, analogies can be used to tell the story of how the arts make a difference in communities with statistics and facts to underscore it. It really is quite remarkable,” said Ann Cramer as she shared an insightful story on the true value of art.
Did you know we can use our hands to be mindful of the value of the arts and how we can become action-oriented to keep the arts as an integral part of our lives?
Hold up your left hand. Typically, you’ll have five fingers. Let each represent a component of the value that art has on our community.
Your first finger (or maybe thumb) represents economic impact. In Georgia, the creative industries generated $62.5 billion in total economic impact in 2015 alone, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA). That is a big number that affects employment and economy.
Follow the connection to your second finger. This is the opportunity for economic development. Corporations relocate when a healthy economy exists. Arts also boost tourism, supporting the Visitors and Conventions Bureau, the Chamber and even the City of Roswell.
Your third finger is neighborhood development and redevelopment. Roswell, in particular, shows great success as a benefactor of public art. Why?
Because the fourth finger is human connection. Visual and performing arts connect people. Experiencing art brings constant opportunity to connect with total strangers or reconnect with friends and families.
And this builds legacy represented by the fifth finger. We all want our communities to be a visible symbol of who we are as people.
Now, look at your palm. See how it connects each finger to a center component. That represents you. It reminds each of us how art really makes a difference in our hearts and ties a thread through all of us to build community.
The value of the arts cannot be undermined, but equally important are our actions to ignite, impact and inspire the arts as a part of our present and future legacy.
Your right hand represents action. Each finger is a reminder of the personal touch you have to ignite interest and awareness, impact your neighborhood and community, and inspire others to begin their quests to recognize the true value of the arts.
- Participate. Be present at all levels. Become a consumer of the arts in all forms.
- Advocate. Become an ambassador. Speak up for the arts and the importance and impact they have on our livelihoods.
- Give. Make a contribution by donating your time or energy.
- Experience. Take a class or attend a show. Open yourself up to find your own art and creativity.
- Synergy. Understand the connection of art and community. Recognize that they are integral ecosystem that creates our quality of life.
Ann Cramer is a math major who recognized how the arts provide a creative, innovative approach to problem solving. She has an animated personality who has been told she speaks in fifth position. Her favorite art form is theatre because she loves to experience the personal connection with performers on stage. Her favorite ArtAround Roswell sculpture is Sweet Pops of Brilliance because of how well it fits into the natural environment. Ann is a Senior Consultant with Coxe Curry & Associates. She provides strategic consultation to nonprofits to strengthen their capacity in the areas of board development, volunteer engagement, corporate relations and fundraising.
