Thank an Artist for Your Cell Phone
I’m always skeptical of arts advocacy arguments that emphasize the importance of arts as a hobby in support of other (presumably more serious or important) endeavors. You know, like when people claim arts education is important because it helps kids do better at math. That’s great and all, but what’s wrong with the fact that it helps kids do better at art? Why isn’t that enough? Even setting aside the intrinsic value of the arts, the direct benefits to society from arts and culture activities are well documented (economic development, urban renewal, etc.) We shouldn’t have to justify our existence on the idea that, by supporting and practicing the arts, some totally unrelated but positive thing might happen by accident.
Having said all of that, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by this examination of the roles of artists in major scientific innovations. Apparently bridge technology, cell phones, camouflage, encryption and more all owe their existence to the contributions of artists. Perhaps this is something to keep in your back pocket the next time you meet a Tom Coburn disciple who claims the arts provide no long-term benefit to society.
Tags: advocacy, innovation
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An interesting (and IMO, compelling) addition to this conversation is Ken Robinson’s book “The Element”.
[...] up on my blog subscriptions, I came across this entry by Adam Huttler over at Fractured Atlas I’m always skeptical of arts advocacy arguments that [...]