Being an Arts Management major has opened my eyes to so many amazing things in the art world.
Some things are hard to wrap my head around, but the topics challenge me and allow me to think in a new perspective. As I am exposed to these inspiring topics, I have also learned and seen many issues that are within the art world, one of them being diversity and its role in the arts.
It is easy to say and think that there is plenty of diversity and opportunity when it comes to the arts. My way of thinking has always involved that idea.
Until I came to college and started deeply studying the arts and the management side of it, I didn’t realize just how elite and narrow the arts can appear to be. There is so much to be inspired by in the art world. No matter what kind of style it is, the audience can interpret it and be moved by it in so many ways.
However, I have come to learn that many art organizations like staying comfortable. There is this image that wants to be upheld and maintained, but it keeps a very diverse and inspired audience closed off. This is occurring with the audience and within the arts organizations, and some of us may not even realize it.
Without going into the business and management side of things, it is easy to say that there is simply an issue with the lack of diversity in the organizations managing and exposing certain art forms.
As artists, we all appreciate the traditional aspects of art and how far it has come.
However, times have changed and it is time to start accepting and adapting to new ways of expression. There are so many beautiful cultures and ideas that we should let in.
I am not a business person, but I have realized that without studying arts management, I would not have realized this issue. I am thankful that now I am able to keep an open mind within the art world in every way possible.