Most People’s Perception of Art
Every great civilization has asked itself the same question, “what is art?”. After turning the pages and scouring the internet for the perfect answer, it becomes apparent that there is no perfect answer to this question. Art has different meanings depending upon the observer. A critic from the Renaissance period may view a certain work in an entirely different way than that of contemporary audience members. However, the perception that many people have regarding art is that it is a singular discipline that focuses exclusively on the visual aspects of creativity.
In a hypothetical survey of people from around the globe, asking them what they consider art to be, most people would pinpoint painters and illustrators as the premiere mediums within the arts. These disciplines are extremely important and continue to be one of mankind’s greatest contributions to creative expression. However, the fine arts are comprised of many different mediums including, pottery, metal work, sculpture and other disciplines.
Contemporary Views of Art
While many observers today enjoy going into museums to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of some of the world’s most creative paintings and craftsmanship, many people within contemporary audiences have a broader idea of what they consider art to be. Today, performing arts are popular including stage plays, musicals, ballets, music concerts and other forms of expression. These audiences also acknowledge filmmaking as a part of the arts. While different generations had their own perceptions of art, today’s audiences observe creativity in a variety of mediums throughout their daily lives.
Should Art and Entertainment be Linked Together?
Contemporary audiences do not find a distinction between art and entertainment as they are viewed as being under the same umbrella of creativity. If this is a valid definition for “what is art?”, then it would be safe to assert that today’s audiences have more access and options to connect with arts and entertainment than in any previous generation.
The creation of the internet made it possible for computer users to communicate with others, share data, and most importantly for the arts-develop spaces in which observers can view and purchase art online. Websites, applications and streaming services are making creative content more accessible to today’s audiences. Observers now have the option of streaming a blockbuster hit movie from their smart tv or go out to their local movie theater and check out a new film. Having these kinds of options are new and very important as it influences the ways in which we communicate but also how we experience any of the disciplines within the arts.
Arts and Entertainment as Economic Sectors
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the arts sector as activities and events related to “arts, entertainment and recreation”. Recreation refers to creative activities taking place at theme parks and other outdoor venues in which people share the fine and performing arts. For short, it may be easier to refer to this sector as “arts and entertainment”, which includes all facets of the fine and performing arts, and any new forms of art that are created through collaboration.
Arts and Entertainment as Interdependent Sectors
Each component of the arts and entertainment sector can operate independently, but can create magic when two or more mediums collaborate on a project and develop art that has never been seen before. The collaboration between mediums generates economic activity that can help producers make their art, impact audiences in ways like ticket and admission pricing, and potentially generate millions of dollars to local and state economies. Therefore, arts and entertainment together describe the sum total of the creative products and services we see in our daily lives from the accessibility of television to the tradition of going to see a live theatrical performance.
Arts and Entertainment represents billions of dollars in economic activities around the world. Our generation has the opportunity to experience many different aspects of creativity, and it is only going to expand as long as each individual discipline is appreciated by global audiences.