The Social and Cultural Value of Art
After exploring the fundamental principles that shape visual art, it becomes essential to understand how art functions within society itself. Art is not only a creative practice based on form, color, and composition; it is also a cultural force that influences identity, communication, and collective memory. This article examines the broader social and cultural value of art across different societies.
What is the benefit of art in different societies
Art, in general, fulfills material, personal, and social functions. It expresses the needs, tendencies, and abilities of individuals across various applied artistic fields, both theoretical and practical. Art has existed since the earliest civilizations — such as the Sumerian civilization in Iraq, and the Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations in northern Iraq. It serves as an identity that represents and distinguishes nations from one another.
Many countries adopt art as a symbol in their global activities, including trade, cultural exchange, and diplomacy. Likewise, the logos of companies and organizations often carry a rich and distinctive artistic identity. The general culture of a society provides intellectual stimulation that encourages skill development, movement, reflection, and discussion, thereby activating thought and emotion. Artists use art to refine public taste, harmonizing human emotions with form, color, and dimension to create beauty and appeal. Art is also known to have positive effects on health.
The greatest benefit of art lies in its role in shaping a society’s cultural identity. It preserves heritage, strengthens cooperation among different social groups, and stimulates productivity through innovation, design, and continuous creativity across generations, times, places, and fields of life.
