The PBS program Arts & the Mind explores the vital role the arts play in human development throughout our lifetimes. Part One, “Creativity,” features stories and the latest scientific research from experts around the country illuminating how the arts are critical in developing healthy young minds and maintaining them as we age. Part Two, “The Art of Connection,” depicts the positive effects of the arts for children in hospitals, veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, building community in Appalachia, and warding off dementia. Hosted by Lisa Kudrow.
Grantmakers in the Arts
by Steve
From Christine J. Vincent for The Art Newspaper:
by Janet
From "Better Together," a blog by Janet Brown
As we prepare the final details for Grantmakers in the Arts’ 2012 national conference in Miami, October 14-17, “communities of practice” have been at the top of my mind. Associations like Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) serve the valuable purpose of convening members to discuss important topics, trends, challenges and solutions.
by Steve
Fromy Geri Jeter for California Literary Review:
For small performing arts companies like Diablo Ballet, social media has come into the forefront as a cost-effective vehicle to get audiences involved in the arts in a new and interactive way.
by Steve
From Ginger Murray for her blog “The Sweet Spot” for SF Weekly:
“Arts education can literally save lives. I work with kids that are struggling with a lot in life whether it is poverty or violence or trauma,” [writer and youth educator Carrie Leilam Love] says. “Having an outlet and a teacher to guide them to express themselves creatively as opposed to internalizing or responding to violence with violence is vital. It is, in fact, an intervention.”
by Steve
Beth Kanter reflects on past weekend's Mashable #sgsGLOBAL:
A theme I heard throughout the day on multiple panels was a call to action for people in the room to serve the world by following their passion. This was particularly true in Maria Bello’s story about her work in Haiti with creating a women’s network called We Advance. What better way to see this in action is to hear it and see it from the young people themselves. The audience got a performance by J.D. Malkin, known as jdviolinboy on YouTube. In addition to being gifted musically, Malkin is also the newest youth ambassador of Save the Children, an institution that serves children in need in around the world.
by Steve
The new report How Art Works: The National Endowment for the Arts' Five-Year Research Agenda, with a System Map and Measurement Model is now available online and was discussed in a forum held at American University on September 20 (see the live-blogging of the event from Ian David Moss). From the report's preface, by NEA Director of Research & Analysis Sunil Iyengar:
This document sets forth the National Endowment for the Arts’ five-year agenda for research, but it does more than that. It provides a conceptual frame for planning and assessing research priorities so that the NEA can improve its ability to meet a core goal: To Promote Knowledge and Understanding about the Contributions of the Arts.
by Steve
From Gary Drevitch at Next Avenue:
We know exercise helps strengthen our minds and our bodies. We know that taking on new challenges keeps the brain sharp through middle age and beyond. But now new research — and a new public television documentary — make a strong case that engagement with music, dance and other arts may be just as powerful for preserving mental health and acuity throughout our lives.