What can THE ARTS do for

us?

Should we spend $14 million on a piece of art?

Whenever a major Australian art gallery buys a Pollock ($1.3 million in 1973), a Hockney ($4.2 million in 1999,) a Lucian Freud ($7.9 million in 2001), a Picasso ($6.9 million in 2008), or a $14 million steel sculpture by Australian artist Lindy Lee (in 2021) there are outraged cries of ‘How can you spend this money when there are hospitals and schools that need to be built, Indigenous health issues to be addressed, housing for the homeless …’

And, of course, money should be spent on health, education, housing, etc. But does that also mean we shouldn’t spend money on exceptional works of art? Do outstanding works of art perform no worthwhile function in our lives? Is any art worthwhile?

John Bell, renowned Shakespearean actor and Founder and Chair of the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts pondered the question on what the arts can do for us as a nation and as individuals.

‘If we apply the question of spending money on the arts in a historical perspective, should the patrons of yester-year not have supported Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Bach and Beethoven?

Do we not judge civilisations and visit great cities – New York, London, Paris, Cairo, Athens, Rome – because of their artistic heritage and cultural artefacts?

Is there merit in visitors to Australia checking out not just the natural wonders of our landscape but also the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane’s Southbank Arts Complex, the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and the other one in Melbourne, and the brand new Sydney Modern? Or savouring the performances of such worldrenowned companies as The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, The Australian Ballet, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bangarra Dance, and to experience Hobart’s MONA?

Should we not be grateful to our artists for their endeavours to communicate with us, delight and surprise us, share with us their vision of reality, offer us comfort and enlightenment in times of distress and show us how to use new technologies to create new modes of expression?

Our unique Indigenous culture has put us on the map for its exotic beauty, infiltrating the fashion and music industries, as well as giving tangible evidence of the world’s oldest living civilisation.

All of this has had a tremendous impact on our tourist industry, trade and diplomatic standing. We are recognised as an energetic, original and culturally inclusive nation.

And what do the arts do for us as individuals?

I would say, “Look around you; be inspired by the things achieved by our scientists, explorers, astronauts, athletes, artists, musicians.”

Art inspires us by showing the potential of human endeavour – the engineering skill of the ancient Egyptians and Romans, the mathematical genius of the Greeks, the invention of languages, the genius of the great painters, sculptors, playwrights and composers.

Not only can we enjoy this great universal legacy, we can each and every one of us add to it in our own small way – by expressing ourselves and honing whatever talents we have. There is enormous pleasure to be had, as well as healthy social interaction, in playing with a band, singing in a choir, joining a book club, or acting with the local drama group, just as there is in playing for the local footy or cricket team.

For many people, it can go beyond amateur social activities. They possess that extra dose of talent and passion that is the key to profound self-expression, a power to connect with others that makes us see the world differently.

This area where we live, the Central Coast of NSW, is abundant with talent, especially among young people looking for a showcase, for encouragement and support. As Chair of the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts over the last 12 years, it has been my joy and my privilege to encounter so many young people working over a wide range of artistic activities and having been able to offer them encouragement. And then to see them grow and develop into accomplished artists who contribute their perspective to our view of the world.

We give them financial assistance, professional help and mentorship in fields as diverse as opera, pop music, sculpture, puppetry, poetry, fiction, acting and film-making. Just as important as this support is the statement “We believe in you. You have the talent – something to say and something to offer.”

But I am aware of many young people whose parents will warn them – with the best of intentions – “Don’t think of being an artist or musician. It’s too risky; go for medicine, the law or a trade. Get a real job.”

We all know that a career in the arts is a risky proposition, and that it’s a good idea to cultivate other skills that can see you through lean times. But a life denied of creativity and expression is an unhappy one: better give it a good go than never dare at all.

As so often throughout history, our participation in the arts will provide solace, confidence and support for the next generation ... and maybe the next Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Bach or Beethoven to open our eyes and minds to a new perspective of our world. Tomorrow’s artists stand on the shoulders of those whose works inspire them.’

John Bell bouddiarts.org.au