Talent that should be supported

Talent that should be supported

The Jersey Summer Exhibition – held at CCA Galleries International, 10 Hill Street – is now in its second year. The exhibition, which launched last summer with more than 120 artists applying to take part, runs from 22 June until 27 July. There are student categories organised with assistance from Young Arts Jersey, which is part of the Arts Society Jersey.

The works show the depth of talent that this small island contains. However, investment in the arts in Jersey needs greater funding, as it contributes more to the economy than simply growth and jobs. Investment can contribute to social cohesion, community building, understanding, and collaboration. It can entertain, delight, challenge, interpret, raise awareness, and stimulate.

These values cannot be measured in monetary terms, but are just as important in the development of Jersey and its population. Before the election there were calls for aspiring politicians to pay heed to the budgetary constraints being placed on the arts sector, as competing causes fight for a finite budget. Now the government has been formed I hope they shall listen to the warnings and invest greater resources in this important area. Watching an excellent student drama, or seeing the student works at the Summer Exhibition, can change your perception of today’s computer-obsessed youngster.

Perhaps without realising it parents instinctively know the value of arts and incorporate them into their children’s lives. It starts with the first purchase of crayons or Play-Doh. In the context of an entire childhood it is impossible to put a monetary figure on the value the arts have on our children’s development and wellbeing.

There is mounting research that concludes that arts education can have a powerful influence in areas such as critical thinking, maths skills, multicultural understanding, tolerance, and confidence. Having work exhibited in the Summer Exhibition is a real achievement that can have immense benefits in the development of the artist. Pop along and have a look. While the experience shall be of great value to you, in monetary terms admission is free.

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