The arts have long been perceived as a luxury that can only be enjoyed during prosperous times. In harsh economic climates, funding for the arts is often cut in favour of fields such as science, engineering, and technology, which are considered higher value and more important for economic growth. However, this view ignores the broad and significant role the arts play in our lives. Art surrounds us daily, from the music we hear, the buildings we admire, the products we use, the chair we sit in, and the clothes we wear. These things were all created by someone who made artistic and aesthetic decisions.

The impact of the arts extends beyond the act of creating beautiful things. A study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that workers exposed to art in their workplace were up to 17% more productive and finished their duties 15% faster than those working in a “sterile” environment. Businesses that include art in their workplace send the message that they care about their staff's well-being and morale, which can positively impact their bottom line. In 2019, the arts and culture sector contributed $878 billion to the US economy and RM29.4 billion to the Malaysian economy.

The arts also play a crucial role in the education and health sectors. Engaging in artistic activities can reduce stress hormone levels, improve cognitive function, and enhance motor control development in children. Many progressive companies seek out arts graduates for their critical and creative thinking skills, which enable them to find solutions to complex problems and challenge the status quo.

The pandemic has highlighted the power of the arts in providing comfort, solace, and hope during difficult times. The technology that enabled virtual togetherness during the pandemic has its roots in the work of artists, such as Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil, who developed radio guidance systems that led to the development of Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS systems.

An arts degree provides a unique set of skills that can be applied to any field, and arts graduates have the potential to change the world for the better. The pandemic has allowed us to reevaluate our priorities and recognize the value and significance of the arts in our lives.

We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, and engineering are noble pursuits necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.
 —Dead Poets Society

Professor Matthew Marshall 
School of Arts
Email: @email

This article was first published on Business Today, 8 April 2022.