LESSON 1: WHAT IS ART TO ME? having something “ALIVE” and dynamic to look challenges?

Sometimes we see ourselves in an

Do you agree with the assumption that our at on something ordinary and common, let us say artwork. Sometimes we see ourselves in the
generation today is called the “ANXIOUS a pristine white wall, evokes in us an affinity process. Art can serve as a powerful tool to help
GENERATION? When you talk to those who towards its beauty. Though we have different us communicate and relay our confusion. Even
were born during the age of “BABY- notions of beauty, still is a common denominator psychological interventions use art as therapy to
BOOMERS”, most of them would probably when we are talking about appreciating forms of aid in processing some sensitive experiences.
describe a life formed out of simple choices to art. Beauty makes sense to most of us.
make: going to school, study, work, and getting 4. GRIEF AND HEALING
married. However, the times today pose a stark 2. HAPPINESS AND HOPE Many of the most poignant and humanistic
contrast to such simplicity. We are often There is something about art that mirrors the soul products of art were after the World War II.
distracted by illusions and “IDEAL LIVES” that of those willing to confront it. In a societal tone, Twentieth-century art mostly expressed human
the internet age suggest. artwork tend echo the hopes and anxieties of an suffering and darkness in its themes. Artists such
These are some proposed functions of art in our age. There is a wide range of properties of art why as Rachel Whiteread talked about this haunting
lives but are not supposed to limit other presumed it gives a sense of joy and hope to its audience. remembrance of holocaust victims in her work
ideas. There is definitely more, but consisting the These are examples: “Ghost Library”. Here, she an experiential type of
scope and limit of time, we will focus on the a) when paintings are placed in a daunting artistic expression, exploring the themes of place
following: environment such as hospitals; and memory in an architectural setting.
b) the experience and process of creating art
1. Beauty itself; Throughout the years, artists have interpreted
2. Happiness and Hope c) the bliss of looking at a piece of imagery these shared human experiences in different
3. Identity and understanding oneself evoking a happy memory: the painting of a ways, which also help us process our grief. Some
4. Grief and healing do; may use art as a tool to express pain and process
5. Remembering and mark-making d) direct words from typography and graphic it in therapy. Nonetheless, it plays an important
6. Raising awareness messages that are so relatable as if the author role in making grieving somehow dignified.
7. Culture and togetherness has read your mind and feeling;
Inspired by the book “ART AS THERAPY” by e) and identifying oneself with the properties of 5. REMEMBERING AND MARK-MAKING
Alain de Boton, this version of the seven an artwork: a homage to something; works How do you think has art helped us remember?
functions of art are common human experiences addressing diaspora, displacement, and other How have a artists shaped our landscape? The
with which, I believe, we as Filipinos can mostly social issues. monument of Rizal in Luneta park is one example
adhere to. Hence, by taking off from these ideas, of a type of art that helps us remember. Without
we can all relate to the role of art through our 3. IDENTITY AND UNDERSTANDING the tangible characteristic of art, we will not be
shared humanity. THE SELF able to sustain our nationalistic values well
today’s generation, being the “me” generation, is enough. We have pictures, films, and paintings
1. BEAUTY also sometimes tagged as the “anxious that depict heroism and nationalism. Try to look
The connotation of beauty is a debatable topic, generation” a lot of social issues evidently reflect up these artists: “Angel of the North” by British
but let us talk about prettiness and the aesthetic this struggle for identity; gender issues, sculptor Antony Gormley and Anish Kapoor’s
value of art. One of the innate qualities that disconnectedness brought on by social media, “Cloud Gate” in Chicago. Gormly’s work has
“PRETTY ART” can give is that is makes our regionalism, and even mental health issues. How been considered as the largest sculpture in the
dull, lifeless wall come to life. The contrast of do you think art can be a tool to address such world and one of the most popular. The

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humongous figure of a person with airplane-like national costume. Indeed it is an attempt to f) Texture - An element of art that refers to the
wings is situated in Gateshead, England, and was represent our unity and national identity as way things feel, or look as if they might feel
commissioned to become and identifying Filipino. if touched. It can be used in paintings like
Landmark of the region. On the other hand, impasto, stamping, and scratching in pottery.
Kapoor had this humongous, bean-shaped Elements of Art are stylistic features that are g) Light – without light, all the previous
metallic sculpture placed at that certainly builds a included within an art piece to help the artist elements will not be possible. Light often
sense of mark and identity to that place where the communicate. These termed as elements because describes the light source or light reflected
traffic of pedestrians is usually heavy. they are the “medium of Language” of visual arts. within the composition. In realistic
The visual components of color, form, line, compositions, if there is light, there is
6. RAISING AWARENESS shape, space, texture, and value. shadow.
Have you seen large sculpture effigies (those h) Space – an area where the other elements can
papier-mache-made-to-be-burned protect art) The following are art elements: interact. Two types, positive and negative
during rallies in manila? Some art can be a) Line – Lines can be expressive and have a space. Double negative space refers to a
categorized as activist art. But not all are as load quality of its own. an identifiable path blank space used as negative space by, let us
and garish. Some are subtle paintings which created by a point moving in space. It is one- say, a field or pigment.
might use satire. In Philippines, many socially- dimensional and can vary in width, direction,
concerned artist have emerged in the age of and length. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, Principles of Design
modernism portraying politicians and the or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. Are long held composition techniques which
governments system in their most hateful actions. b) Shape - are flat in appearance due to their have been proven and used by both fine and
A more subtle type of including awareness can be two-dimensionality, and they are usually graphic artists to communicate ideas and
observed in architecture such as the stained-glass described as “enclosed” lines. For example, a concepts effectively. Balance, emphasis,
windows of Gothic churches and even their square is made of four lines and a circle is an movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, and
illuminated manuscripts. Such is also the case of enclosed curved line. variety; the means an artist uses to organize
our local churches with large domes at the altar c) Form – Three-dimensional shape. Can refer elements within a work of art
part and huge stained-glass windows. to the quality or likeness of an entire mass, let
us say, the form of a woman. It employs 8 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
7. CULTURE AND TOGETHERNESS several techniques like shading, perspective, 1) CONTRAST - A way of combining
Lastly, forms of art often localized so that they and lighting. elements to stress the differences between
bring identity also to certain regions. This is very d) Value – the lightness and darkness of a hue those elements. Light also plays an important
evident here in the Philippines, which is or a color. It has two parts: the tints (lighter role in creating good contrast.
geographically separated by thousands of islands- tones) and the shades (darker tones). A tone 2) HARMONY – Elements are related to each
we are very regionalized. In a way, there is a is a general term for a certain value. other in terms of form, color, theme, etc. A
sense of redemption for the past weakness of the e) Color – An element of art made up of three way of combining similar elements in an
Philippines when the Spaniards strategized the properties: hue, value, and intensity. Also artwork to accent their similarities (achieved
divide and conquer method. Do you wear the known as hue. Scientifically, it is the light through use of repetitions and subtle gradual
“whole Philippines,” Miss Universe 2019? Here, that bounces off a surface. In art we use changes)
we see how reigning queen Catriona Gray wore subtractive colors. Addictive color refer to a 3) BALANCE - A way of combining elements
the “whole Philippines,” symbolically uniting us property of light. to add a feeling of equilibrium or stability to
through her Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao-inspired

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 a work of art. Major types are symmetrical psychological effects that vary across different Lesson 3: HOW DO I STUDY Art?
and asymmetrical. cultures. Along with cultural differences, color : Reading Art
4) RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT – creating psychology is largely impacted by personal
a sense of direction through repetition of preference Art Criticism – will help us and guide us in
elements. Movement direct the viewer’s eye knowing what kinds of works to select and
toward something. COMPOSITIONAL FUNCTION OF LINES hopefully enhance our taste in arts.
5) UNITY AND VARIETY – elements should AND SHAPES
be seen as a whole in unity, variety still gives An art period is a specific length of time in
a sense of wholeness but the elements differ Lines form the edges of shapes, but they also history with a prominent movement, trend, or
in some aspects and provide more interest to form shapes of their own. Composition is creed in artistic practice.
the work. basically how the elements are arranged in space
6) EMPHASIS AND SUBORDINATION - an with the intention of artistic expression. Lines can Art movements are sets of distinguishable styles
area or a specific subject is given focus, lead the eye in a photograph. And you can use and artistic tendencies often characterized by a
hence other parts of the picture are lines to dissect and frame your photos. Lines major trend in techniques or approach. Usually,
subordinated. serve as a powerful compositional tool in they are name with the suffix “-ism” at the end. It
7) SCALE AND PROPORTION – A principle photography. suggests a certain attitude toward painting or any
of design that refers to the relationship of art-making.
certain elements to the whole and to each ABSTRACTION
other. It also shoes relationship between the More often than not, you might encounter a time Prehistoric
object and the space. in your life where you can envision a painting or ❖ Cave paintings, Venus figurines which are
8) DEPTH AND PERSPECTIVE – shows a sculpture that depicts an idea, an emotion, or an considered portable sculptures
three-dimensionality of a space through the experience of your own. As one writer says, we ❖ Greek standard of beauty: the birth of the
use of perspective lines and vanishing points. all have a work of art in our minds. However, not “Classical” Age
all of us can translate this into reality. This is ❖ Roman art: the competitor of Greece; created
PSYCHOLOGY IN ART where the skill or the knowledge of techniques realistic sculptures of human figure
An interdisciplinary subject talk about and materials become essential. That is why
perception, understanding, art characteristics and there are artists-skilled and talented individuals Middle Ages
its productions. Psychology of art is specifically who can help us address our non-verbal yet ❖ The “death” of artistic freedom due to
divided into structural and environmental significant human expressions. Also, we should canonical standards of visual interpretation
psychology. The former refers to characteristics not miss the fact that because lots of materials are ❖ The rise of Gothic art especially in Gothic
of mind at time of art production or now available and have become valid forms of Churches
communication with art work. art, our expressions need not be limited to ❖ Popular art: Stained glass windows and
drawing or painting. Technique, on the other illuminated manuscripts
GESTALT THEORY- emphasizes that the hand, takes time and practice. Combining the
whole of anything is greater than its parts. two, excellent techniques applied to materials, art
expression becomes more successful
COLOR PSYCHOLOGY -is the study of how
certain colors impact human behavior. Different
colors have different meanings, connotations, and

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Renaissance - Famous for the intense and unsetting realism - He was a Catalan architect from Spain known
Revival of artistic genius of his large-scale religious works as well as as the greatest exponent of Catalan
❖ Where the term “Renaissance Man” was for his violent exploits-he committed murder Modernism.
derived because of man’s intellectual and volatile character. - He was a designer with a special ability to
achievements in the arts and science synthesize their own tradition and the
❖ The time of “Masters” e.g., Donatello, Da VELAZQUEZ (Spanish Painter) courage to new technical solutions.
Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Van Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez
Eyck. - He Was Born On July 6, 1599 At Seville, 19th Century
Spain And He Died On Aug.6, 1660 ❖ Emergence of “isms”
Baroque - He was the most important Spanish painter of ❖ Neoclassicism: Greek and Roman Classics
❖ Grandiose and ornate art the 17th century, a giant of Western art. revived Romanticism, Realism, Art
❖ Artistic innovation: “spotlight effect” called - During the Spanish Empire, he conquered Nouveau, Impressionism
chiaroscuro or in extreme usage, it is called Cuba, which became a strategic base for ❖ Photography comes into the scene
tenebrism. further conquests on the American mainland, ❖ Post-impressionism, early expressionism,
notably Mexico and Peru. and symbolism.
Chiaroscuro - He was a court painter to King Phillip IV
- Italian term which means ‘light-dark’. during the Spanish Baroque. 20th Century Modern Art
- To clear tonal contrasts which are often used ❖ Art became more non-representational
to suggest the volume and modelling of the POUSSIN(France POUSSIN) (France Garish colors explored in Fauvism
subjects depicted. Painter) Abstracted sculptures emerged
Tenebrism Nicolas Poussin ❖ Simplified forms in paintings by Picasso and
- derived from the Italian word tenebroso - Was born on June 1594 at Normandy, France Matisse
which means dark, gloomy, mysterious. The and died on Nov. 19,1665 at Rome, Papal ❖ Art movements: Cubism, Futurism,
use of extreme contrasts of light and dark in States, Italy. Constructivism, Expressionism
figurative compositions to heighten their - A French painter and a draftsman who ❖ Mondrian’s purely geometric art
dramatic effect(dramatic illumination). founded the French Classical Tradition.
- He specialized in scenes from the Bible, Art During the Wars
Artists to note: Caravaggio (Italy), Velazquez ancient history, methodology and his ❖ Dadaism: the art movement that defies logic
(Spain), Poussin (France), and canvases are revered for their narrative ❖ Surrealism: stepping into the dreamworld
Antonio Gaudi (designer of “Sagrada intensity and their rational and ordered ❖ American art blossoms: Jackson Pollock
Familia” chapel in Barcelona) approach to composition. became famous as “Jack the Dripper” and
paved the way for American Abstract
CARAVAGGIO(Italian painter) ANTONIO GAUDI( designer of “Sagrada Expressionism
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio Familia” chapel in Barcelona) ❖ Mobile Sculptures (Alexander Calder) and
known as simply Caravaggio. Antoni Gaudi I Cornet Color Field (Rothko) paintings also became
- He was born on Sept. 29,1571 and died on - Was born on June 25, 1852 at Baix Camp, prominent
July 16,1610. Spain and died on June 10, 1926 at Old
- An Italian painter active in Rome for most of Hospital de la Santa Creu, Barcelona, Spain.
his artistic life.

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20th Century to Contemporary (without thought) and a process of studying the - It is an artwork expressing something about
❖ Highly experimental and radical method and reassessing its effectiveness allows the artists life and biography.
❖ Pop art defines consumer culture; dominated art to move on and change. - This approach is based on the assumption that
mostly by works of Andy Warhol the artist’s life, beliefs, choices, and
❖ Minimalism: glorifying the simplest art 1) Formalism and Style – basically give personality are directly connected to the
elements importance to formal qualities ( art elements works that he/she creates.
❖ Birth of conceptual art materials, and design principles) as basis for
❖ Photography is further developed which meaning of art. It is the study of the 5) Semiotics
paved way to art movement, Photorealism compositional elements of art by analyzing - From the Greek word “sema,” which means
❖ Neo-expressionism or new expressionism and comparing color, line, shape, texture, and sign.
is characterized by strong subject matters other purely visual elements of the work. - Hence, an artwork or art form is assumed to
❖ Contemporary Art: a very diverse art be composed of a set of signs that may have
scene; the rise of appropriation, photography- 2) Iconography – Focuses on the subject matter significant cultural and contextual meanings
derived works, graphic style of art, primarily over form. Iconographic analysis, beyond itself.
experimental works, multimedia and multi- also called semiotics seeks to understand the - In visual art, communication takes the form
modal arts. meaning of an artwork. of words, sound, scents, flavors, actions,
situations and emotions based to the study of
Art Criticism 3) Contextual Approach – From the term the explorer(artists) and the viewers’
❖ Is a responding to, interpreting meaning, and itself, context becomes an important factor in perspectives.
making critical judgements about specific criticizing artworks here. Like Marxism,
works of art. Orientalism, Colonialism, Racial 6) Psychoanalysis – has run a parallel track to
❖ Artworks are didactic in nature, therefore Iconography, Feminism, and Gender. For the study of art.
they demand a response. However, example, Marxism is about art relation to - In the early 1890’s, psychologists Sigmund
oftentimes, being confronted by artworks is economics. On the other hand, Feminism is Freud developed the theory of
quite perplexing. Meaning is sometimes bent toward the societal context of at wherein psychoanalysis, the idea that human behavior
inaccessible to the common place person. gender becomes a strong factor in the forces is largely determined by irrational drives.
❖ As mentioned by James Elkins in the essay, behind an artistic creation. - In psychoanalysis, one is concerned about the
What happened to Art Criticism, is a In art, contextual analysis essentially places a unconscious mind in relation to the artists,
discipline of the arts that seems to be both work of art in context and analyzes what it the viewer, and the cultural context it is
healthy and dying. represented in its time period and based on the involved in.
❖ Is the discussion or evaluation of visual art. artist’s personal experiences. - The study of images – real and imagined –
Art critics usually criticize art in the context for the sake of rooting out a deeper meaning.
of aesthetics or the theory of the beauty. 4) Biography and Autobiography
- Considers the life and context of the artist. 7) Aesthetic and Psychoanalysis
Methods in Reading Art - A biography is an account of a person’s life, - Psychoanalysis provide a middle ground that
What is a method? written by someone else. An autobiography synthesis opposing views in aesthetics.
Art methodology refers to a studied and is an account of a person’s life, written by that - Individual notion of what is considered
constantly reassessed, questioned method within person. acceptable, beautiful, or attractive in works
the arts, as opposed to a method merely applied of art are in part influenced by

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 psychological factors. This approach then ahead of his contemporaries. However, envy can
connects psychology to one’s constructed Abstraction: the Artistic Process have a constructive effect if taken in a different
philosophy of art. ✓ Unlike the common notions the artists are too way. As a famous adage says " Good artist copy,
spontaneous, laid back, and unsystematic, great artists steal".
LESSON 4 individual art practitioners do need to have
Who is an Artist? sets of procedures and disciplines. Even the Inclusivity of Artists
Introduction: most spontaneous ones work with a process, In the previous activity, we came to realize how
✓ There is an art of the future, and it is going to however simple and succinct. Artists are also artists are also subject to human frailties. There is
be so lovely and so young that even if we give a thinkers and even great inventors and chuck Close’s paralysis, Van Goghs mental
up our youth for it, we must gain serenity by scientist. Art can cover a lot of subject health condition, and Jackson Pollock problem
it "VINCENT VAN GOGH in his letter to his matters from science, philosophy, and even with chronic drinking which caused his death.
brother, Thev. practical living. It can also be applied to such Working with art is not always working on a
✓ Why did Van Gogh dedicated so much of his areas of knowledge. As Einstein said, "After dream job; setting up an easel in studio
life to the future achievements of arts? a certain high level of technical skill is overlooking a breathtaking view. It is actually the
His presence is now offerd seen in achieved science and art are tend to coalesce very opposite. It is a daily wrestle between
restaurants, interiors , in the web, and even on in aesthetics, plasticity, and from. The survival and passion. It does not always promise
novelty items. The price of his works has greatest scientist are artist as well. monetary returns, often side jobs are needed to
skyrocketed to millions of dollars. His ✓ The elements that tie-up together in the survive a life as an artist, especially in third world
renewed, and a favorite of most, "Starry conception of a tangible art form. country as ours. Hence, the pressures of life along
Night" a ball to a lot of people. What: the subject matter, the content of the with the demands of art-making are cause some
✓ Artist then have a certain kind of power. It work. psychological and physical stress to the artist life.
does not lie on money or politics, but, on his How: The techniques and materials
or her capacity to influence for what purpose involved; The process involved Hans Prinzhorn produced a book about the
will that power be used. Why: The narrative behind the subject matter; Artistry of the Mentally lll. This is good
✓ On the other hand, behind Van Gogh’s the concept and underlying significance contribution to the vision of dignifying people
artistic achievements was a history of with mental disabilities or incapacities.
struggle over whether his art really matter Rivalry, Envy, and Artistic Preferences Democratization of culture, which is evident the
later on. He was also a human. He never saw The issue of rivalry and comparison is not new to 2019 edition of the cultural center of the
the pinnacle of his artistic career in his the art scene. This may sound negative, but it can Philippines ( CCP) Encyclopedia, has blurred the
lifetime, but he had a vision and an mission actually yield some positive things. Let us take line between high and low art. Hence, we should
that we all benefited from. for example the rivalry between Leonardo and also strive to change our attitude toward those
✓ What if, there are no artist such as Van Gogh Michel Angelo. What they were arguing about who are considered the elite of the art scene
who would envision the future of art-making actually gives us a broader understanding of the because of their educational backgrounds and
that we all enjoy today? As such as master art arts. We connot say that one artistic process is those who where not previledged to obtain a
works tell us a lot of stories, the lives of better than the other, but we can truely see that degree but are prolific in their own art making.
artists are also a colorful and mysterious. both resulted in major contributions to the The craftsmen's craft and the non-degree holder
Studying their struggles, issues, and victories development of visual arts. In addition, lots of artist deserve the same value or valuation as those
can enhance the way we view art and life in artists can become discouraged by envy, given to works hanging on the pristine white
general. especially if the envied person seems to be way walls of museum and galleries.

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 individuals who use their creativity and Artists can have a profound impact on society,
Added Insights: Valuing of artists Process and imagination to produce works of art. They can influencing culture, politics, and social change
Work through Money work in various fields, such as painting, through their work.
We have seen how in the latter part of Van sculpture, music, literature, and theater. Artists Artists come in various forms and styles, and their
Gogh’s life, which was actually his death, the are known for their unique perspective and ability work can encompass a wide range of disciplines.
value of his works shoot up to millions of dollars. to express ideas and emotions through their work. Some common types of artists include:
Why do we equate money with the value of art?
Why the need to spend money on art? When we Creation of Art Visual Artists
consume something, it means we either need it or Artists are known for producing art in various These include painters, sculptors, photographers,
want it. But have we wondered how we spend our forms, such as visual arts (painting, sculpture, and graphic designers who create visual art.
money and on what? More, often, we do not see photography), performing arts (music, dance,
the point in buying the art because of our problem theater), literary arts (writing, poetry), and more. Performing Artists
with taste, how is this? Let us take for example Musicians, dancers, actors, and playwrights fall
our fondness for fast food and branded but Expression into this category, using their bodies and voices
overpriced items. What we buy also defines what Artists use their chosen medium as a means of as instruments of expression.
we value. If we do not our health, naturally we personal expression. They often communicate
will just buy whatever we crave. But we value our their unique insights, emotions, or ideas through Literary Artists
well-being, we buy things that are good for our their art. Writers, poets, and authors create written works
physical bodies. Hence, if art reflects our nobility that convey thoughts, stories, and ideas.
and highest potential, how do we value it it in Imagination
items of expenditure? Artists frequently demonstrate a high degree of Digital Artists
imagination and creativity, pushing the In the digital age, artists use technology to create
DEFINING THE ARTIST: EXPLORING boundaries of conventional thinking and digital art, animation, and multimedia
THE CHARACTERISTICS AND ROLE OF aesthetics. installations.
CREATIVES IN CONTEMPORARY
SOCIETY Skill and Craftsmanship Culinary Artists
The concept of "Who is an Artist?" is a complex Many artists develop technical skills and Chefs and culinary experts who create visually
and multifaceted one, encompassing a wide range craftsmanship over time to master their chosen appealing and innovative dishes can also be
of creative individuals who express themselves medium and produce high-quality work. considered artists.
through various forms of art. Artists play a vital
role in society, contributing to culture, aesthetics, THE EVOLVING NATURE OF ART
and social commentary. Art is not static, it evolves with time and culture.
This report delves into the diverse definitions and Innovation What was considered art in one era may differ
characteristics of artists, shedding light on the Artists are often innovators, challenging existing from what is appreciated as art today. Moreover,
dynamic nature of this term. norms and pushing the envelope in their contemporary art often challenges traditional
respective fields. definitions, incorporating new mediums and
The term "artist" does not have a singular, concepts. This evolution makes it difficult to
universally accepted definition. It is more of a Impact place strict boundaries on who qualifies as an
broad and inclusive category that encompasses artist.

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Unlike the common notions the artists are too
spontaneous, laid back, and unsystematic,
individual art practitioners do need to have sets of
procedures and disciplines. Even the most
spontaneous ones work with a process, however
simple and succinct.

The question, "Who is an artist?" remains open to

interpretation, reflecting the dynamic and
inclusive nature of the creative world. Artists are
individuals who channel their creativity,
imagination, and emotions into expressive forms
that enrich our lives and provoke thought. They
contribute significantly to the cultural and
intellectual tapestry of society, making the
definition of an artist an ever-evolving and
intriguing subject. Recognizing and celebrating
this diversity is essential in fostering a thriving
and vibrant artistic community.