THE ART OF INCLUDING
Art is not only a form of
expression but also a way to include people into society, such as prisoners,
disabled or the poor. Artistic expressions can bring about the growth in the
levels of self-esteem and confidence and more importantly the felling of being
helpful. Nowadays, there are private artists and non-governmental organizations
that fight to make it possible. All in all, art is a means for human beings to
express themselves; it is a way of sharing their feelings with others.
Art is considered the
expression or application of
human creative skills and imagination. The production of works to be
appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Nevertheless, art
can also be a way of inclusion; the artistic work not only means the creation
of works such as paintings or sculptures; literature, dancing, acting or music
could also be considered other forms of art. They are a tool for people to be
part of a society.
Art as a means for inclusion
has many positive effects. Some of these positive effects reflect growth in the
levels of self-esteem and confidence, a sense of self-determination and
control. In addition to this, “artistic expressions can bring about changes
that will improve the levels of people and communities. These can become a tool
for dialogue and participation” (UNICEF, 2008). It is also important the feeling
of freedom to develop people´s own ideas. What is more, art is relevant for
human beings due to the fact that they can be immersed in that amazing world,
develop a strong sense of ownership of the final product and also develop
artistic and creative skills. The most important effect that art can create
whatever the discipline, is the feeling of being helpful.
Art is also regarded as an
instrument for social inclusion for the excluded. Art has the power to
integrate people to a group who share the same characteristics. This
magnificent expression integrates the vulnerable: like prisoners, disabled or
the poor. For example, in Argentina, there are choir, guitar and percussion
workshops, targeting persons deprived of their freedom. Another example in this
country could be the foundation called DISCAR
that understands the art as an inclusive tool. DISCAR offers art workshops and courses for people with
disabilities; because they believe that the courses are a way of developing
individual skills and a way of social inclusion. Art gives people the
opportunity to develop communication among them. Apart from this, it also strengthens
the human rights.
Nowadays, many artists and non-governmental
organizations are committed to inclusion. One example of this is Milo Lockett,
an Argentinean artist who works with children with the aim of integrating them
into society. He persuades children to appreciate the art and the environment.
Milo Lockett also works with children with Down syndrome and together they
paint kindergardens. In a newspaper interview Milo Lockett (2009) mentioned: “I
am interested in changing the reality of the people at least for some hours.
When somebody paints, draws or dances he/she has something to share”. Another
example of art as a tool for inclusion could be a non-governmental organization
called CREAR VALE LA PENA that develops a policy of social
transformation through art, to reverse the exclusion and lack of opportunity
that affect children and young people living in conditions of exclusion.
According to Sanguinetti Inés (2008), director of CREAR VALE LA PENA, “art is a strategy that contributes to ensuring
social transformation and equity rights”. CREAR
VALE LA PENA and Milo Lockett are good examples of considering art as a
human right.
In conclusion, art is a
means of inclusion, a way for people to be part of a group sharing the same
characteristics. What is more, art has many positive effects especially the feeling
of being helpful. In Argentina, as in many parts of the world, we could find
some examples of artists and non-governmental organizations who work for the
inclusion of people to the society, with the aim that these people could have
something to share with the world. Basically, art is a universal language
through which humans beings express themselves and communicate with others.
REFERENCES
· Cambridge Advanced Learner´s Dictionary (2009). Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.
·
Felsenstein, M. (January
17, 2009). Milo Lockett: Un artista plástico al servicio de la imaginación
infantil. La Nación. Retrieved from http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1090253-milo-lockett-un-artista-plastico-al-servicio-de-la-imaginacion-infantil
Accessed on: July 6,2013.
·
Fundación Crear Vale la
Pena´s website. Retrieved
from www.crearvalelapena.org.ar Accessed on: July 6, 2013.
·
Fundación
Discar´s website. Retrieved from http://www.fundaciondiscar.org.ar/talleres_cursos.htm?gclid=CNWzwqS4nLgCFSUV7AodpRsArQ Accessed on: July 6,
2013.
·
Jermyn,H.(2004)
The art of inclusion. Retrieved from http://thamesvalleypartnership.org.uk/somethingbrilliant/wp-content/uploads/art-of-inclusion-jermyn.pdf
Accessed on June
26,2013.
·
Programa Arte en las
cárceles. Retrieved from http://www.cultura.gob.ar/acciones/arte-en-las-carceles/ Accessed on: July 6, 2013.
· UNICEF. Arte y Ciudadanía. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/argentina/spanish/ArteyCiudadaniaWeb.pdf Accessed on: July 6,2013.
· UNICEF. Arte y Ciudadanía. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/argentina/spanish/ArteyCiudadaniaWeb.pdf Accessed on: July 6,2013.
