Why Art Has the Power to Change the World (top 8 reasons)
I love art — making it, looking at it, buying it — it’s one of my core values (creativity) and motivations in life. It tells stories, creates culture and challenges the status quo.
The more I dig deeper into this artistic world (and my own creativity), the more I realize just how powerful it really is. It changes me at a fundamental level. But zoom out, and I find it does the same thing to everyone and everything.
Art has the power to change the world.
That’s my thesis, at least.
So let’s wrap up this chit chat. Let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
Why Art Has the Power to Change the World (8 reasons)
The role and purpose of art is significant and obvious — and yet still subjective. So can it change the world?
I think so. Here’s why.
1. Art Has Already Changed the World
We’re starting off strong! But art has already changed the world, and there are plenty of examples.
For example:
Galloping Horse by Eadweard Muybridge may have been the catalyst to film
7,000 Oak Trees by Joseph Beuys reconnected traumatized citizens with nature
Rhythm 0 by Marina Abramovic challenged views on human behavior and trust
Rosie the Riveter by Norman Rockwell inspired women to enter the workforce
Picasso’s The Guernica raised awareness about the horrors of war
Painting slums improves social connections, labor skills and happiness
2. Art Is In Everything Everywhere All At Once
Try to think of one example that doesn’t have some artistic component to it. It’s everywhere. It’s in everything.
And it always has been and always will be.
Product design is art. How you dress is art. Blogging is art. And how you speak is a creative act.
The couch you’re sitting on is art.
My MacBook’s branding is art.
And this canned bubbly water I just finished is art. Tasty art.
The bottom line? Art is in everything everywhere all at once (yea, just like the movie).
3. Art Spreads Awareness On Social Issues
Art is education.
It can bring awareness to social issues, clarify nuances and put important themes into the zeitgeist.
It can spread awareness in subtle (and not so subtle) ways. It can educate us on issues we heard of and remind us of things we forgot about.
There are countless examples, and you don’t need to look far to find them. Just start with any artist and their mission (for example, Banksy) and go down that rabbit hole.
One of the core roles of an artist is to spark conversation and change. To spread awareness about personally important topics.
Artists promote the betterment of society. And I like that.
4. Art Connects Us
“Every culture is artistic. Every human is creative.”
As separate as we can feel sometimes, we are intimately connected. We’re all made up of the same stardust and inspiration that drives us to build, do, create, make, love, destroy and breathe.
And repeat.
We communicate, engage with and share art — regardless of language, location or status. Art is community. Artists collaborate and fans gather to celebrate with linked arms.
It’s individual and collective. It’s local and global. It’s custom and universal.
Art connects us.
5. Art Inspires Us
I don’t know about you, but art and creativity always inspire me. It speaks to my inner child and the dreamer personality living inside.
Art excites the heart and the soul.
Art inspires action. This is especially true for music. Exercising, driving, working, studying — it’s all better with music.
And the right art in a space can set the stage for focus and inspiration. But no art or design can leave things feeling cold…and boring.
Art impacts our mood, motivation and inspiration. It inspires us.
6. The Viral Effect
Social media has given us the viral effect, where a single post can reach millions of people around the globe.
This has the power to change the world.
Random projects, unknown artists and small creators can reach millions and inspire people in all corners of the globe.
And IMO, social media is a creative act. At least, this is its core function for me. It’s like a blank digital canvas to create projects, art and brand on.
With enough consistency or a really great idea, your (social) art can reach millions and change the world. You can help initiate and spread ideas for change and improvement.
Since social media can get annoying, it’s pretty cool to remember its other more creative function.
7. Art Drives Business
Art is pretty entrepreneurial and a big part of business. For example, creativity is a key part of:
Branding
Product design
Marketing
Industry innovation
And since business is a major driver of change, art’s role can’t be ignored.
Also, modern creatives are more like entrepreneurs anyways. Artists are manufacturers, distributors, marketers, PR professionals and CEOs all at the same time.
This combination of business acumen and creativity offers a unique opportunity to make a big impact.
Art makes business aesthetic, cool and memorable. Don’t forget that.
8. The Numbers Are In Art’s Favor
Art has a big economical and financial impact.
Global art sales reached $65.1 billion in 2021 and contemporary art has grown considerably over the past two decades alone.
Fine art is a popular investment that can pay off big. This is not financial advice, but art is a tradable, scarce and desirable asset.
And consider the growth in valuation of creative platforms like Etsy or Adobe.
From an investment standpoint, art is an opportunity with a growing number of creators worldwide.
In fact, it’s the creator economy. The numbers are in art’s favor.
Change the World With Art (6 tips)
1. Focus On Small Change (not the whole world)
You don’t need to change the whole world. And every big change ever made up was made up lots of smaller moments.
So I say, keep things manageable. Focusing on too much can lead to burnout.
For example, start with yourself, then your inner circle and then your community. You never know how something seemingly small can spark a bigger flame.
Things are cumulative and compound over time.
2. Add Value (give more than you take)
If you want to change the world, focus on giving more than you take.
Adding value — education, entertainment, inspiration, money, time — is always a good move.
So if you don’t know where to start, just map out how you can turn your interests, resources or skills into some type of artistic value or action for change.
You have a lot to offer — probably more than you realize (thanks to the curse of knowledge).
3. Use Tech
If you want to make a splash in the world, technology is pretty much a requirement.
In the most practical sense, it’s an awareness, marketing and distribution channel. For example, you can use:
Social media
Blogging and writing
YouTube
Art-selling platforms (like Etsy)
Podcasts
Twitch and live-streaming
You can also leverage AI, automations and software to streamline processes and make things more efficient and more effective.
Technology has made it even easier to have an impact with little to no resources (beyond a smartphone).
4. Collaborate
Collaboration always creates unique results. Combining artistic minds and ideas creates more opportunities to reach more people (and make more lasting change).
Here’s why:
You’re sharing audiences and expanding your reach
You’re combining skills and talents to increase the unique quality of a project
You’re blending unique and personal experiences together, which makes you more likely to stand out
You inspire each other and have an accountability partner
5. Be Patient
Change is slow — especially changing the world. But with whatever impact you’re trying to make, stay patient.
Celebrate the small wins. Be stoked when you make even just one person think a little differently.
Change is a long-game. And there are no finish lines. So may as well get comfortable and enjoy the ride.
Explore more:
➤ I Fell in Love With Change
6. Differentiate (be you)
Differentiation means you’re standing out and growing a brand.
It’s easy to understand, but tricky to implement.
So I like to start by layering my experiences, skills and interests in unique ways. Then, knowing and owning what makes you authentic can solidify things further.
Differentiation is the thing that no one else can copy. It’s brand. It’s you.
So consider what your unique selling proposition is as an artist. Try connecting the dots and layering your skills, interests and background.
Look for interesting connections.
This could be how you change the world with your art.
Later ✌️
Art has the power to change the world. Because the truth is, it already has.
Art impacts business, drives the economy, connects the globe and inspires us. It sparks change and spreads awareness.
It’s an essential part of who we are as human beings.
So what impact has art had on you? And more excitingly, what impact do you want to make using it?
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
