July 15: Impact
Written by Geraldine M Ysselstein
What does impact of the arts mean? What does it mean to you? What is the visual that comes to mind when you think of art + impact?
The visual that comes to my mind is money and numbers and I wonder why this is? It’s not because this is how I think, but this is how art seems to be presented and to be validated. I cringe at the thought. Every time.
Number of donors and donations. Number of audience members. Number of programs. Number of participants. Number of exhibits. Number of performances. Number of volunteers. Number of grants given out. Number of grants received. GDP.
It feels to me a capitalistic view of the arts.
It feels to me an exclusionary view of the arts.
It feels to me a materialistic view of the arts.
It feels to me a production view of the arts.
And I keep wondering, is that what we actually want? What is the story that we are trying to tell?
It isn’t even that artists make money from their art, but that art makes money for others. Does that follow? Others make money from the art that artists create. Artists create the raw material. Others decide if they can make more money off of the art. I believe this is the number impact that is actually being referenced to; it isn’t actually about the art.
You may have noticed that I love children’s books.
One of my favourite children’s books is called “Frederick” by Leo Lionni. In the story, some little mice gather corn, nuts, wheat, and straw to get ready for winter. Everyone except for Frederick the mouse who just sits. When asked why he isn't working, he insists that he is. He is gathering colours and words. Then winter comes and the mice eat all the food. Feeling cold and hungry, the mice ask Frederick what supplies he can provide.
Frederick tells them to close their eyes and then he tells them about the blue periwinkles, the red poppies in the yellow wheat, and the green leaves of the berry bush (see word art below). They see the colours clearly. He also shares a poem about the seasons and the mice feel warmed and happy again.
“Impact” by Geraldine M Ysselstein (2024). Based on the story “Frederick” by Leo Lionni. Cotton embroidery and watercolour on watercolour paper.
For me this story says that art sustains us just like food and shelter. Moreover, art helps us to think outside our limited vision, helps us to connect and empathize with others, teaches us to observe more deeply the natural world with our senses, and gives depth and meaning to our lives.
This is the impact of art that speaks to me. Numbers or money cannot capture or create that.
Questions:
What does impact + art mean to you?
2. Do you benefit from the work of artists? In what way?
3. When you create art, what impact are you looking for?
