Social Functions - Iowa State University

Social Functions Definition:

Social functions of art are those that go beyond personal intrinsic value to art's social benefits. Individuals and their society are dynamically related. Art communicates. Most often it is constructed with the intention of sharing responses to and opinions about life with others. Art enriches, informs, and questions our world. When highly valued it can be both a social and financial asset. Art can have powerful transformative and restorative effects within a society as well.

Related Concepts:

Record and Communicate Experience: Art documents and conveys a vast array of human experience. The messages of art can be communicated interpersonally between cultures and across time.

Art as Commodity and Cultural Capital: The value of art in general or any particular art object can change from place to place and time to time. Yet, art is many times exchanged for money, or in some cases, as money. Art is also a valued dimension of the assets of a culture in general.

Social Commentary: Art can provide both serious and humorous reflection about and criticisms of society. Through their art, artists seeking social changes bring public awareness to a variety of social, political, and environmental issues.

Collaboration and Community Building: Art can bring people together. Frequently, groups collaborate in the artmaking process such as working to create a public mural, a temple or an illustrated book. The viewing and discussion of an art show or participation in a community ritual, ceremony or celebration also brings people together as a community.

Enrichment of Humankind: People can be greatly enriched by art through learning to feel the wonder of and to inquire about life, looking at humankind's many beautiful and thought-provoking creations or being transformed through the benefits of satisfying art production. The world is enriched through the vast cultural legacies of its peoples-- innovative, insightful creations and enhancement of the visual world.

Human Context

Human Commonalities

Psychological Aspects

Social Functions of Art

Search for Meaning

Interrelationship

Teaching Suggestions

Bibliograhy

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