Do you flock to art like a moth to a flame? Can’t ever tear yourself from your pinterest design boards long enough to get any work done? Have season tickets to the local dance theater? Well, pat yourself on the back, this should come as no surprise…
Finally, I present you with proof that we actually are better than those “other” people. (Those other people?) You know, the ones who aren’t obsessed with art/aesthetics? (Feel free to relish a moment of smug self-satisfaction here.)
“According to a new study by the University of Illinois at Chicago, people with an active interest in the arts contribute more to society than those with little or no such interest. Researchers correlated 2,765 randomly selected adults’ survey responses to arts-related questions to their responses on altruistic actions such as donating blood, giving directions, or doing favors for a neighbor, and looked at “norms of civility” including participation in community groups and charitable organizations. They also looked at responses related to social tolerance. “Even after controlling for age, race, and education, we found that participation in the arts, especially as audience, predicted civic engagement, tolerance, and altruism.” http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/people-who-like-art-are-better-than-people-who-dont-study-finds_b22858
Last week we had the great pleasure of partnering with Urban Ministries’ Artworks 945 program (see previous blog post), and it was encouraging to see so many art lovers come through our doors with a purpose to benefit local neighbors struggling with homelessness. If you missed the exhibition here at Slate, you can still purchase art benefiting the Artworks 945 program and it’s participants this Saturday evening at their annual auction. (again, see previous blog for more details)
So (we all know correlation doesn’t equal causation, but) why not indulge your love of all things beautiful at Slate to get in touch with your inner altruist? Make it a habit. You’ll be a better person in no time! Who knew something so deeply self-satisfying could be good for your community too?