Socially Responsible Artistry

The private and public sectors of the education and training services industry are failing to provide students with a curriculum in artistic citizenship that will truly inform them about their role in society. Art is often defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. It is generally claimed to be a personal experience. Therefore, art education and training services focus primarily on the personal experience and growth of the artist. Consequently, the artist's influence on society is considered secondary and often is disregarded in public and private art education environments. The artist's influence in society is exceedingly significant and must be taken into further consideration by administrative figures in the private and public sectors of arts education. 

The public sector includes performing arts schools and universities that provide artistic opportunities for their students. The private sector includes tuition based training services such as dance studios, vocal coaching, summer art training experiences, etc.  If the private and public sectors of art education fail to encourage their students to act as citizens who contribute to the advancement of their communities, we will regrettably continue to produce artists who only use their talent to uplift themselves and fail to consider their value as artistic citizens. 

Unfortunately, art education and training services are greatly affected by the federal and state budget cuts. Due to the current American economy, the amount of after school services, clubs and extra-curricular artistic activities that are available to students has been severely cut. Budget cuts have profoundly limited resources for public school curriculums focusing on drama, art, dance, voice, etc. 

I foresee a further decline in the amount of services provided by the public education system for artists. This long-term decline will ultimately affect those who cannot afford to participate in the private sector of art education. In addition, private art education and training services will continue to drop out of the market due to the competitive nature of the industry and economic constraints. It is only those private training programs that provide unique artistic opportunities for students that will succeed. In order to avoid the demise of generations to come we must train our role models, namely our artists, to think critically about their role in society, the actions they take and the behaviors they display.

A Global Citizen Within The Nation State

In the midst of our declining economy and subsequent budget cuts, my family as well as many others have been effected, particularly in the areas of education and disability assistance.  My brother was diagnosed with autism in 2003, and the budget cuts across my home state have greatly effected the amount of attention and education he receives daily. The budget cuts trace back to the never-ending cycle of debt we've fallen into which was created by a vast amount of government spending. My concern, in particular is government spending and the usage of tax payer dollars to fund wars. We spent over 800 billion dollars in Iraq and almost 500 billion in Afghanistan. With these figures in mind, it's evident that our parents' tax dollars are re-directed to the fueling of wars, not towards the education of disabled individuals and educational programs for youth in need. 

If I could ask today's candidates a few questions, one of them would be,  "how are you going to prevent future wars so that in a few years my tax dollars won't be falling into the figures listed above?". Not only are those figures robbing us of needed services in this country, they are creating an inheritable cycle of debt. Now that we are in a recovery period, I would like to know what proactive measures these candidates are going to take to make us look better in four years? 

Another concern is fueled by our reputation as "Ugly Americans". PeaceMaker has really taught me to think about the gravity of civil relationships. If other countries see Americans through civil practices, international relations may change gradually and lessen the chances of war. Being part of the UN I am always inclined to consider how we can improve our relations with other countries. We've come to the conclusion that instilling a sense of cultural diplomacy in young individuals will create a reverent nation of older citizens that are empathetic and sympathetic towards members of other nation states. Therefore,  I would also inquire about "how today's candidates are going to improve our relations with other countries."

By: Nicole Johnson

Be responsible! Make a difference!

Be responsible!  Make a difference!

As we move into the 2012 elections, political candidates and parties will begin to reach out to youth – voting age and even younger.   Young people bring energy and, frankly, cheap labor to campaigns.  It is a two-way street, however.  Real life political work is an enlightening experience – far more important than what is taught in political science classrooms or books on government.  The world of politics can disillusion as well as inspire.  As youth about to become involved, make sure that the price for your work is high – not in dollars and cents, but in your candidate’s commitment to what you believe is right.

You are here today because you have made some level of commitment to civility and peace in the streets.     


Your job is to make sure that candidates in 2012 make the same commitment.  Youth can make this happen.  You can make candidates understand that the bullying that everyone talks about in schools and on our streets is a reflection of the ugliness that we hear in the Congress, in our campaigns and on the airways.  How can kids be called upon to respect fellow students who are different from them when leading politicians use hate speech to slander their opponents, demean women and abuse minorities?  If hate is the language of the powerful, who should be surprised when it raises its ugly head in your communities and classrooms?

Youth has the power to make a difference.  Work for candidates who share your ideals.  The price of your support and energy is their commitment to the goals of the Peacemaker Corps.  Don’t compromise your belief in decency and peaceful dialogue just because they have lost theirs.  Work for the best that is out there and help bring about change – one step at a time.  The tone of this year’s campaign may already be fixed in place, but don’t sell yourself short – if change doesn’t happen in the dialogue of 2012, it will happen eventually.  Promise!!  

Written By: Pat Johansen