Origami – The Usefulness of Art 2013

Twenty-odd years ago, as I was studying at the Victorian College of the Arts, it was reading Rodin's views on "The Usefulness of Artists" that helped inform my own raison d'être for pursuing a life in music. Nearly two and a half decades later, I believe I understand more clearly the necessity of art to our everyday lives.

At a time when fear governs politics rather than vision and principles, at a time when we cannot offer our hand to those in need, at a time when support for music education is diminishing but studies show that music increases our empathy towards others and that it also has positive effects on the development of neural pathways, how can we not be encouraging more artistic experience and participation? This is the time when art is most useful!

With an air of optimism, “The Usefulness of Art” seeks to express the essence of the qualities that art can engender – may it bring you a little happiness!