FEATURE – Have you ever stopped to consider the number of times you’ve strolled through a local art gallery, attended a theater performance or enjoyed a symphony orchestra? As you reflect on these experiences, you might also wonder about the benefits of this enriching world of culture. They are perhaps not as tangible as dropping 10 pounds after continued exercise, but nonetheless, the rewards are definite.
The Cultural Arts Department of Dixie State University offers some tips to test the benefits of cultural arts:
Tip No. 1 – Improving the community
Citizens who engage in the arts are often the ones who volunteer and attend cultural events. These social-minded people are the ones interested in volunteering and attending activities. They recognize their civil duty and are eagerly engaged in making a significant contribution to the community in which they live.
Tip No. 2 – An altered perspective
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and become bogged down with the same routine. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons! An art exhibit in the Sears Museum Gallery or a performance of DSU’s Celebrity Concert Series may be just the thing you need.
Tip No. 3 – Express yourself
Participating in cultural arts frees your mind and opens up your heart to new opportunities. Actively creating art expands your ability to convey information and communicate with others in new and enriching capacities.
Tip No. 4 – Culture reduces stress levels
Regardless of your background, taking in the arts has a direct link to feeling calm and at ease. Participating in the arts as a spectator or as an artist can create a sense of balance and strengthen the inner self, because it gives us time to stop and enjoy the presentation.
Tip No. 5 – Connection to humanity
Through exposure to culture that focuses on the daily challenges of racism, poverty or sexuality, we gain a greater understanding of humanity as a whole and the diversity that exists around us. These provocative elements may be depicted through word, paint or performance and can help break down boundaries. Becoming educated about the struggles associated with groups that are often pushed to the outer fringes of society will broaden your awareness and grow your level of tolerance and compassion.
A new season of cultural arts has just begun at DSU. Throughout the coming months, you are invited to enrich and expand your horizons through participation in the visual and performing arts. To learn more, visit www.dixieculturalarts.com.
Written by Lani Puriri for St. George Health and Wellness magazine and St. George News.
Puriri is the operations manager for DSU’s Cultural Arts Community Outreach and DOCUTAH. Contact her at [email protected].
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