Why Arts Should Matter | Dr. Jose Dalisay, Jr.

Summary

The speaker passionately argues for the importance of the Arts and Humanities, not only for intellectual and personal enrichment but also for their economic potential. Drawing from personal experiences, historical examples, and global trends, they emphasize how the Arts can drive economic growth through creative industries. They propose the creation of a Department of Culture in the Philippines to support and harness this potential, urging a shift in mindset to see the Arts as a strategic investment for both moral and material dividends.

Takeaways

• 😀 The arts and humanities are essential to a balanced education, but their value extends beyond personal development—they have societal and economic importance.
• 😀 A balanced education, which includes the arts and humanities, cultivates well-rounded individuals, prepared to engage with a broad range of issues.
• 😀 The speaker's personal journey reflects the benefits of a diverse academic background, ranging from industrial engineering to creative writing, showing the value of cross-disciplinary thinking.
• 😀 The humanities play a crucial role in helping societies govern themselves wisely by fostering critical thinking and understanding of shared human experiences.
• 😀 National identity, social cohesion, and policy decisions are deeply influenced by the arts, as they help us define our common goals and dreams.
• 😀 The arts are not only important for the soul but also for the economy, as they contribute significantly to creative industries, which are growing sectors in global economies.
• 😀 Creative industries, including music, literature, and the visual arts, are vital economic drivers, contributing significantly to GDP and employment in various countries.
• 😀 The Philippines' creative industries have the potential for growth, but they face challenges like insufficient government funding and low prioritization in national policies.
• 😀 Despite the Philippines' strong creative talent, the country remains a net importer of creative goods, and there is an opportunity for more exports in creative sectors like design, film, and media.
• 😀 Other countries, such as the UK, the US, and Brazil, have successfully integrated creative industries into their development programs, creating jobs and boosting national economies.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for the creation of a Department of Culture in the Philippines, which would prioritize and maximize the economic and cultural potential of the arts and creative industries.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the speech?

The main argument is that the Arts and Humanities should matter not only for their intrinsic value to the soul but also because they play a crucial role in shaping our intellectual, cultural, and economic life. The speaker emphasizes their economic contributions, particularly in the creative industries.

Why does the speaker mention their personal background and experiences?

The speaker shares their personal background to highlight the diverse nature of their own education and career, showing the importance of a balanced education that combines both the Arts and sciences. This personal story also supports the idea that Arts can have practical, real-world applications.

How does the speaker define the role of the Arts in society?

The Arts are portrayed as essential for understanding and interpreting the human experience, fostering critical thinking, and helping societies to make decisions. They play a key role in uniting communities around common values and visions, which is especially important for governance and national identity.

What are some examples of how the Arts contribute to national governance?

The speaker suggests that the Arts help define national narratives, including values like unity, progress, and identity. They allow us to address complex questions like 'What is our story?' and 'What direction do we want to go in as a country?' which cannot be answered through science alone.

What economic impact do the Arts and Humanities have, according to the speaker?

The Arts contribute significantly to the economy through the creative industries. These industries, which include music, literature, film, advertising, and design, generate billions in GDP and provide millions of jobs. The speaker mentions the increasing economic importance of these sectors, both globally and in the Philippines.

What is the significance of the Philippines' creative industries, and what challenges do they face?

The creative industries in the Philippines are growing and contributing to the economy, but they face challenges such as being net importers of creative goods, underfunding, and lack of institutional support. Despite these challenges, there is growing recognition of their potential for economic development.

Why does the speaker criticize the lack of a Department of Culture in the Philippines?

The speaker criticizes the absence of a standalone Department of Culture, suggesting that this reflects a low priority for the Arts in the country’s development plans. They point out that other countries recognize the value of creative industries for economic and social growth, and the Philippines should do the same.

What is the role of science and technology in the speaker's vision for national progress?

While the speaker acknowledges the importance of science and technology in providing the means for national progress, they argue that the Arts and Humanities are crucial for crafting a national vision, addressing moral and cultural questions, and contributing to societal well-being.

How does the speaker suggest the Philippines should approach cultural education?

The speaker suggests that the Philippines needs to invest in cultural education, viewing the Arts not as frivolous, but as strategic and profitable investments. They advocate for developing advanced practitioners and theorists in the Arts, who can achieve world-class status with the right support.

What is the speaker’s view on the relationship between culture, economics, and national identity?

The speaker believes that culture is deeply intertwined with a nation's economic and social development. The Arts shape national identity and values, while also contributing to economic growth. They argue that cultural expression is an essential tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of human society.