Cause of the Week: Arts & Humanities

Subcauses: Libraries, Social Sciences / Cultural Studies, Preservation (Historical, Landmark, Cultural), Media (Public Broadcasting), Museums (Art, History, Children’s), Performing Arts, International Exchange

“Great art picks up where nature ends.” -- Marc Chagall 

The arts provide a glimpse into the soul of a community. We celebrate our culture and explore our values and identity through our creative pursuits: film, painting, dance, poetry, music, literature, sculpture, photography, and more. Engaging in self-expression through these outlets empowers the artist, inspires the viewer, and enriches our society.  

High school students enrolled in art courses achieve higher math and literacy test scores than those who are not. One group of boys, ages 8 to 19, living in residential homes and juvenile detention centers for at-risk youth, discovered that learning to play guitar and performing for their peers boosted their self-esteem, increased self-control, and improved their conflict resolutions skills and social tolerances. These examples suggest participating in the arts may be a powerful tool to help youth overcome obstacles and give children critical, character-building tools towards a more successful future.  

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same exposure to the arts. Low-income families have more limited opportunities to engage in the arts due to financial considerations such as access to musical instruments, art supplies, poetry books, and more, while some schools cannot afford to invest in offering the opportunities other schools can. Changemakers need to step in and bridge the gap so many children face by funding art camps, purchasing supplies, and fostering a more colorful future for all. 

The CFC makes it easy for all of us to change the world. Your donation to the arts cause areas will spark imagination, encourage empathy, expand horizons, and help us reach our full potential. Connecting to our collective creativity through the arts and humanities is an investment in our future and makes our world a better place for us all to live. Join the CFC community today and become a changemaker. 

10-18-2021