One of the most enterprising, important and impressive professions and areas of study is Art. The great impacts exerted by art on our lives as humans are very severe, so scholars in the field seamlessly interchange life with art and vice versa. This is so because from personal adornment to the improvement of our societies and the development of our daily activities, it revolves around art. However, it is sad to realize how people qualify and value art today. Art receives little patronage and recognition in the set of other disciplines. Students who wish to pursue the study of art because of their impressive talents in sculpture, graphics, leatherwork, basketry, ceramics, and other vibrant fields of art do not receive due patronage. These enterprising young artists end up shattering their great talents and resorting to dedicating themselves to small tasks such as cleaning, helping on construction sites, cleaning and trading. The situation is intensifying even in the developing countries of Africa. Art patronage is so low that parents discourage students from wealthy homes from pursuing art and are even mocked as shy students by their peers. The few who bravely take up the cross of art lack funding from funding agencies that prioritize patronage of so-called science and math! However, the multi-million dollar question we must ask ourselves is ‘Are the other disciplines better than art?
Some argue that health sciences, economics, mathematics, and geography are entrepreneurial because their industries are already established and those professions are well paid and, as such, highly respected. Also, they are persecuted by academic giants and gurus who got higher ratings. Although it is somewhat true, these professions are no better than the arts. A retrospect to the time of the renaissance underlines this affirmation.
Die-hard scholars who were theoretically and practically well versed in various fields of human endeavor like science, mathematics, and engineering devoted themselves to art in the renaissance era. For example, Leonardo da Vinci, who was a leading figure in art, particularly painting and sculpture, was a scientist and an engineer at the same time. He calculated that art played a fundamental role in society that surpassed or equaled science and mathematics. Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Donatello and the other great artists of that time were brilliant scholars! Even today, great scholars and students who get high grades study art. This clears up the misconception that art is pursued by academically weak people and as such receives little patronage and patronage.
Also, art received great patronage in the renaissance period. The Medici family of Florence in Italy sponsored art programs, seminars, workshops, and competitions that sought talent in art. The art projects received high patronage from government authorities, famous people and wealthy businessmen from the society. This great support gave rise to patronage of art and its recognition was commonplace. The situation is different today. Art programs and workshops aimed at raising the standards of art receive little or no sponsorship from funding agencies, institutions, and well-meaning wealthy individuals in society. This situation must cease if we are to make progress in our social, national and global development.
Art should be associated with respect and status in our societies due to the great impact it has on social events and activities like its counterparts in other disciplines. In fact, successful so-called fields of study such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences depend on art in the performance of their functions.
The time has come for academics, governments, funding agencies, and well-meaning personalities in societies to support and fund art programs, education, and other activities that help their development. The praise of art is still true today that ‘art is life’. The sponsorship of art is very necessary and must be addressed with all seriousness to facilitate and accelerate the training of young talents, curb the unemployment crisis of the many young and unemployed in societies to make our world a better place. Certainly life is art, and art is life!