Art galleries are elemental to creative city life
Cities that are home to a constellation of gorgeous art galleries are imbued with a sense of prestige and enjoy regular visits from arts enthusiasts locally and worldwide. Since time immemorial, civilisation has always regarded artworks on an exalted pedestal, commissioning pieces from protegees or established artists, and showcasing them for public admiration.
Indeed, a visit to an art gallery is a captivating and even life-transforming experience, ruminating upon historical and contemporary artworks that bestow us with essential meanings in their unique, creative ways. Not only that, but art galleries also play a pivotal role in preserving our collective cultural treasures and fostering cross-cultural dialogues over universally riveting pieces of art.
By the end of our visit, we feel a sort of rejuvenation of our spirits — we reflect on the beautiful messages of various artworks, remember how abundant our world is with beauty, and we are imbued with a feeling of elegance. Considering the collective benefits of arts immersion on our well-being, cities should regard art galleries as elemental in urban planning.
Many bustling creative cities are brimming with an enviable portfolio of world-class art galleries that showcase contemporary artworks by local, regional, and international creatives. To illustrate, the National Gallery in London houses a collection of over 2,600 paintings, encompassing works created by venerable Western European painters, such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Paul Cézanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Claude Monet.
On the other hand, the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto features Japanese-style paintings and Western art styles, with a mix of historic and modern artworks. It regularly hosts exciting exhibitions, such as the current exhibition themed around ‘Salon Culture and the Pictorial Arts of Kyoto and Osaka’, highlighting literati painters that fused their lyrical masterpieces with artistic renditions that are inspired by real-life imagery.
By the end of our visit, we feel a sort of rejuvenation of our spirits — we reflect on the beautiful messages of various artworks, remember how abundant our world is with beauty, and we are imbued with a feeling of elegance. Considering the collective benefits of arts immersion on our well-being, cities should regard art galleries as elemental in urban planning.
Many bustling creative cities are brimming with an enviable portfolio of world-class art galleries that showcase contemporary artworks by local, regional, and international creatives. To illustrate, the National Gallery in London houses a collection of over 2,600 paintings, encompassing works created by venerable Western European painters, such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Paul Cézanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Claude Monet.
On the other hand, the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto features Japanese-style paintings and Western art styles, with a mix of historic and modern artworks. It regularly hosts exciting exhibitions, such as the current exhibition themed around ‘Salon Culture and the Pictorial Arts of Kyoto and Osaka’, highlighting literati painters that fused their lyrical masterpieces with artistic renditions that are inspired by real-life imagery.
Furthermore, training professionals in the arts field would ensure the sector has skilled workforces, such as art gallery managers, collection curators, archivists, art conservators, or arts educators.
Arts galleries should also put in place robust marketing campaigns to create interest and engagement among audiences. Educational curricula could pique the curiosity and interests of arts enthusiasts by introducing them to arts-related subjects and activities from a young age. Doing so will pave the way for children to be equipped with essential artistic talents and build an appreciation for the arts world. Hand in hand, many arts galleries organise special events for school-age children in creative settings and themed around fascinating topics.
To illustrate, the National Gallery in London organises a number of exciting activities for children, such as tours and storytelling sessions focusing on prominent paintings displayed in the gallery and practical workshops to enhance creativity skills.
Additionally, individuals could enrol in one of their enlightening short courses, encompassing art history, spotlights on famous painters, and self-reflection on timeless masterpieces. Teachers can also access lots of excellent resources revolving around the arts, such as art tutorial videos, teachers’ notes focusing on famous paintings, and professional development sessions.
Art galleries must also direct their efforts towards creative engagement with audiences. Many prominent art galleries across the globe are luring loyal and frequent visitors via hosting exhibitions with fascinating themes, offering enlightening educational or skills-based workshops for the public, organising talks and seminars about prominent works or buying artworks, inviting renowned artists to speak about their artistic journeys, and holding captivating live performances set amid the galleries’ spaces.
Fostering partnerships with international art galleries will result in mutual exchanges of arts collections so that universal artistic messages can travel far and wide. Establishing a strong digital presence is also critical to reach out to communities.
Arts galleries certainly deserve a presence in our cities, considering their priceless contributions to mankind.
Published in Gulf News.
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