Start with Art Luncheon - Keynote Speaker

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Comment by Andy Fraizer on September 5, 2008 at 5:38pm

Matt:

Thank you for the comment and insight on the Start with Art luncheon. I appreciated learning about this event from your post.

Your comment's about Col. Esserman's remarks made me think of the value of breaking down the silos which tend to separate one's thinking about community (public safety and the arts are related). Col. Esserman's remarks are consistent with a holistic approach to community life.

Americans for the Arts conducted research of more than 850 arts-based community development programs in the United States. The purpose of the research was to determine which elements have contributed to the success of existing programs. Consistent with Col. Esserman's ideas, the research suggests successful programs create a safe environment which serve as a refuge from community problems, encourage family involvement, and offer comprehensive services.

The conclusion is community-based arts programs are successful in some or all of these ways in that they build community, especially by "building innovative partnerships between diverse sectors of the community". The arts play an intervention role in their ability to raise one's self-esteem. Positive self-esteem is a bulwark against the negative elements which impact our lives.

Thanks again for the insights and the opportunity for reflection.

Andy