Living the arts in the 21st century

Abstract

Over the centuries, changes in technology and education have transformed people's attitudes towards the arts, making them more accessible. Bohemianism and modern art in the 18th century challenged the elitist perception of the arts, democratizing access. Digital tools and online resources have further opened doors to creating and experiencing visual and performing arts. However, despite this accessibility, society is increasingly moving away from the arts due to a focus on technology, capitalism, individualism, materialism, and instant gratification, leading to rising mental health issues. Engaging in the arts, which connect us to the physical world through our senses, can counteract these issues by promoting self-fulfilled artistic experiences. The 20th and 21st centuries have brought new ideologies to the arts, emphasizing discovery and inquiry. Yet, these values can sometimes be overshadowed by past knowledge. Striking a balance between traditional prestige and modern experimentation is crucial. Making art experiences accessible to all, fosters sensitivity, interpretation, critical thinking, feeling, and expression—essential qualities in the current generation. For instance, Michael D. Higgins has highlighted the role of creativity in fostering an engaged and innovative society. In one of his addresses, he mentioned “the Arts have clear economic potential but, even more important, they are vital indicators of the spirit of the times as well as being enablers of positive change” (Higgins, 2012). The art of our time reflects our current selfperception and creative language, shaping our cultural identity. Individual creative expression today can define tomorrow's national cultural identity. The arts continue to evolve as a mirror of our society's values and beliefs. All this will be explored through two artistic projects, one focusing on music composition and performance, while the other focusing on visual art. Both projects have a strong element of community practice, which give the opportunity for further investigation into hands-on workshops.