Leading academic Dr Rebecca Chamberlain, Goldsmiths, University of London – director of the first postgraduate programme in the world for the scientific study of aesthetics and creativity – asks Is Art Better Than Sex? in psychology of the arts deep dive The (Real) Value of Art for CULTUR.ART.
The (Real) Value of Art is a vital look at the psychology behind how we experience art based on Rebecca’s pioneering research. Rebecca says “I think the evidence is really mounting that the arts are good for our physical and mental wellbeing. But I think more broadly it’s just a really important way of communicating and giving ourselves a sense of shared meaning. Art isn’t just good because it makes us feel fitter and healthier. It gives our lives meaning.”
From tracking the eye movements of people viewing art and exploring art as a safe space to experience negative emotions to reframing the rising digitisation of art as an opportunity that “really increases accessibility”, The (Real) Value of Art is an inspiring, total look at the role art plays in all our lives. Part 2 will ask Is There Such Thing As Good and Bad Taste?, part 3 will ask Is Art the New Mindfulness? The (Real) Value of Art comes from CULTUR.ART, from leading arts education charity The Arts Society. CULTUR.ART’s mission is to unlock the health benefits of the arts for a new generation of art lovers, making arts and culture accessible to people from all backgrounds through daily social content about fine art, film, music, fashion, photography, literature, theatre, design, and gaming.
Dr Rebecca Chamberlain is Programme Director of the Msc in Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics and Creativity at Goldsmiths, University of London – the world’s first postgraduate programme for the scientific study of aesthetics and creativity. Rebecca’s innovative research sets out to understand how and why individuals create and respond so powerfully to works of art. Rebecca focuses on the psychology and neuroscience of the production and perceptions of visual art. She is particularly interested in the impact engagement with the visual arts can have on education and mental health, as well as the mechanisms by which artists acquire their expertise. Rebecca is also Executive Editor of the academic journal Empirical Studies of the Arts.
CULTUR.ART is passionate about making the arts – in all its forms – accessible to more people from all backgrounds. The first society within the Arts Society was founded in 1965 by Patricia Fay and a pioneering group of young women eager to break down barriers and be involved in the arts. Today CULTUR.ART continues that trailblazing spirit, helping people from all backgrounds discover the health benefits of the arts and live more artfully through daily social content about fine art, film, music, fashion, photography, literature, theatre, design and gaming. CULTUR.ART is led by award-winning producer Nigel Hilditch. Nigel was previously Head of Video at Sotheby’s art auction house in Europe. Nigel has also led on video for Reuters. Before that, Nigel produced a diverse range of programmes for the BBC, ITV, MTV, Sky and Discovery, including two series of Jonathan Ross’ ‘Japanorama’ for the BBC, and the Japan film for Discovery’s Emmy Award-winning ‘Atlas’ series.
Watch: The (Real) Value of Art, Part One – Is Art Better Than Sex?