As an artist myself, I am curious as to how this might play a role in development or how I might be able to use my artistic skills as a way to bring about change.
"Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn't matter. The intent does." (Seth Godin)
As change is often brought about by innovation, creativity and influential individuals sharing a message or emotion, could we then call art an agent of development?
I would consider the power of visual art akin to that of music or sports or dance in many ways. As much as I love music and believe it is a powerful tool, in class I was very adamant to call music a development tool rather than an agent of development, so I have to stand by the opinion that art remains a tool of development. Nevertheless, I think it still has a powerful role to play in bringing about positive change in the lives of individuals.
I came across a few organisations that use art for various development efforts. A notable one is Art for AIDS, a charity that uses art events, workshops, and sales and to raise funds and awareness for women and children affected by HIV and AIDS, particularly by encouraging the active creative role of young people.
Even in the Western world art is used as a way of making a positive difference. I witnessed first hand on one of my many visits to Winnipeg an organisation called Graffiti Gallery, who uses visuals arts and graffiti to provide a venue for youth to express themselves, while assisting with community development, social change, and growth of individuals in terms of personal skills, creativity and self-esteem.
Evidently, art is a powerful and universal medium. Do you think art can be used on a larger scale to bring about change? Does it have a role to play in international development?