Community Based creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. Any way that creativity is developed is an expression reflecting the personality of its creator. It can range from street art to festivals and play an important role in today’s society. There are two main types of Communities associated with creativity, which includes Global Community and Local Community.
“Community arts networks include community arts agencies, colleges and universities, public and private schools, libraries, parks and recreation commissions, non-arts local government agencies, and performing and exhibiting centers, all having in common participation in a support system that developed, sustained and delivered arts activities at the community level” (Backas, 1977).
The arts play a central role in terms of culture as it demonstrates different views whether a person wants to be confronted by them or not. Banksy, a famous street/ graffiti artist displays his controversial views by painting them on the walls of the world. For example Banksy’s piece “Gay Bobbies” depicts two policeman in a loving embrace challenging a persons view on masculinity as policemen are seen to be quite strong and ‘manly’ while homosexual men are seen as the opposite (Stencil Revolution).
From this we can see that art influences the individuals’ opinion. It creates a thought bubble that develops deeper and people question how their beliefs and values relate to this opinion formed from seeing this piece of art. From this the individual will start to share the same formed opinion with others forming different groups in society. It then starts to influence the way we live. Now I’m not saying this piece of art started the battle that is equality however it has a link in terms of homosexuality. In my opinion people’s sexual preference is no ones business but their own. If you have the ability to do a job then you should be able to do it. Only in 2011 did the United States allow homosexuals to serve in the defense force, 1992 for Australia. It may be a leap in relation to the image but I believe I have demonstrated how a piece of art influences opinion and evokes further research and thinking.
Not only does the arts influence a culture by developing controversy and resolution but it also is a reflection on the other aspects of a community. Many factors make up a community however in basic form it is a group that shares common values. Art can reflect aspects like the people or location of a community etc. In the Pilbara, Western Australia, there is an art event known as the Cossack Art Awards. Held in Cossack once a year people enter their artwork in hopes of a prize however the style of art reflects the people in the area. A majority of the work is Indigenous Australian style echoing the people in the community and the different tribes in the area such as the Yindjibarndi tribe. Events like music festivals are held all around the world however Groovin’ the Moo, local to Australia shows a different lifestyle. Held in the more agriculture-enriched towns within a state reflects the style of the festival and reflects the chilled and relaxed community-based lifestyle.
Creativity is visible within every community and thrives on the attention from the public. Even if you don’t create yourself you should support creativity and the smaller groups that may not be recognized as much as the bigger artists as it what helps build and mold society.
Works Cited
Backas, J. (1977). The arts at the community level: a report to the National Endowment for the arts. NEA Press: USA. Retrieved from website: http://blackboard.ecu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-3408336-dt-content-rid-3501394_1/courses/CCA1103.2014.2.METRO/CCA1103%20-%20Community%20%26%20Creativity%20Lecture.pdf
Stencil Revolution. (n.d.). Gay Cops Kissing by Banksy. Retrieved 10 15, 2014, from Stencil Revolution: http://www.stencilrevolution.com/banksy-art-prints/gay-cops-kissing/
Clarissa coutinho 