Michelle Obama tells international audience why the arts matter

Michelle Obama hosted a concert this morning at the Pittsburgh Creative & Performing Arts School for its students and the spouses of international leaders deliberating at the G-20 economic summit.  She gave an 11-minute address about the arts as a prelude to performances by guests Sara Bareilles, Yo-Yo Ma and Trisha Yearwood. Here are  excerpts from her speech, from a transcript issued by the White House:

“We believe strongly that the arts aren't somehow an 'extra’ part of our national life, but instead we feel that the arts are at the heart of our national life. It is through our music, our literature, our art, drama and dance that we tell the story of our past and we express our hopes for the future. Our artists challenge our assumptions in ways that many cannot and do not. They expand our understandings, and push us to view our world in new and very unexpected ways….. 

"It's through this constant exchange -- this process of taking and giving, this process of borrowing and creating -- that we learn from each other and we inspire each other.  It is a form of diplomacy in which we can all take part….

“[T]oday ... we're presenting the gifts of these wonderful American artists to our friends from all around the world. And these artists are passing on the gift of their magnificent example to these young people who are here today, studying in this school -- showing them that if they dream big enough, and work hard enough, and believe in themselves, that they can do and achieve some uncommon things in their lifetime….

"That is the core of my mission as first lady -- to share the gifts that come with life in the White House with as many of our young people as I possibly can find. That's why I've worked to make the White House a showcase of America's rich cultural life….

"[T]he truth is, is that even though many….kids are living in Washington, D.C. and in cities across the country, just minutes away from the centers of culture and power and prestige, many of them feel like these resources are really miles away, very far beyond their reach. That's something that I felt growing up.

"And my husband and I are determined to help to bridge that distance. It is critical that we begin to bridge that distance.

"We want to show these young people that they have a place in our world, in our museums, our theaters, our concert halls.... We want them to experience the richness of our nation's cultural heritage, one on one, up close and personal, not on TV.  We want to show them that they can have a future in the arts community -- whether it's a hobby, or a profession, or simply as an appreciative observer….

"In the end, those efforts, and the performances we're enjoying today, and the work these artists do every day here in America and around the world -- all of that reminds us of a simple truth: that both individually and collectively, we all have a stake in the arts, every single one of us.

"And you don't need to be rich or powerful to lift your voice in song or get out of your seat and shake your groove thing. [Laughter.] You don't need to be a Van Gogh to paint a picture, or a Maya Angelou to write a poem. You don't need a Grammy or an Oscar or an Emmy to make your work on the cultural life of your community or your country a valuable one.

"And ... people who might not speak a single word of the same language, who might not have a single shared experience, might still be drawn together when their hearts are lifted by the notes of a song, or their souls are stirred by a vision on a canvas.

"That is the power of the arts -- to remind us of what we each have to offer, and what we all have in common; to help us understand our history and imagine our future; to give us hope in the moments of struggle; and to bring us together when nothing else will.  That is what we celebrate here today.” 

-- Mike Boehm

Related:

First family of arts lovers

Photo: Michelle Obama hosting concert in Pittsburgh (top); Obamas at Kennedy Center in February, to see Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre performance. Credit: Eric Feferberg / AP/AFP/Getty Images; Joshua Roberts / Pool/EPA

Comments

[Dana Kaminski]

I am very relieved to have a First Lady who is so very aware of the importance and value of The Arts.

It's true, that all children should have access to artists of all genres; ditto about learning about the arts, and ability to develop the skill to actualize talents.

There is something not covered here, or anywhere, really; why is it such a secret, to reveal?

We need to support ALL artists of all kinds. Especially, adult artists. Especially the professionals. We need to value our adult artists in our culture, and reward our talented. Professionals.

I think it gets harder and harder to BE an artist, in our culture.

I do agree, also, that a person doesn't have to have a lot of talent or ability to enjoy, partake, or make any type of art.

However, I think we better honor and support our artistic professionals more, in some systemized way, that doesn't exist now. If we don't respect our artistic identity, our American professional painters, actors, dancers, etc. Then, that cultural part of our culture may have too much difficulty surviving.

[daniel m]

This is an inspiring and important message from an incredible woman. You can tell that she truly believes in this topic passionately.

[William Valenti]

I knew I liked her. There aren't enough people today who value what's really important. The greatest human achievements are almost universally made through the arts and scientific advances, and not through wars, religion, nor accumulation of wealth.

As a musician who frequently performs or sees colleagues perform in urban areas, I often feel that I want to head a few blocks away to the absolute poorest neighborhoods in America and hand out invitations. "By the way, this is a FREE event, and they're playing GREAT MUSIC!!" However, I'm afraid I'll be laughed at, shot, or, worse, no one will come. Now that the First Lady has mentioned bridging that gap, though, I'll have to reassess exactly what to do when I get that urge.

[Peter G. Kalivas, Artistic/Executive Director The PGK Project]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Michelle Obama, First Lady. Your passionate support in arts and culture is so appreciated and we will use your words as we too continue our mission where the arts is a cultural expression intended for everyone.

[MrUniteUs]

Very important that we appreciate the arts.

Thank you First Lady.

[Sean]

I have been reading the comments posted thus far. No has has been screaming about socialism or calling the first lady a Nazi. Where are all the lunatics? Did you guys sleep in today?

[Carlo Thertus]

We are all born creative, but if we neglect to develop and strengthen these skills, our creativity becomes inhibited. By assisting and encouraging a child's creativity, you set the stage for endless opportunities for that child's imagination. A healthy imagination not only creates a resourceful and productive individual, but it also builds self-esteem, which is an important tool that will be used for the rest of that child's life. When a child creates a work of art, they are not just drawing a picture, they are also creating aspects of self-importance, individuality and engaging in self-expression.

CASK, the Creative Art Space for Kids Foundation is a non profit Visual Arts Center for children and adolescents that develops self expression and confidence through the arts. Fostering imagination to generate creativity, CASK educates youth by developing and encouraging art as a positive vehicle for self expression.

Founded by Artist Carlo Thertus, CASK has been serving the Long Island community with an artistic education center since 1996 and has developed a concrete, significantly positive relationship with the community at large, which has been notably reported in newspapers including the New York Times, Long Island Newsday, the Long Island Herald and Long Island's Channel 25 just to name a few.

By sharing the gift of creativity with our children and giving them the outlet of self expression, we are setting the stage for the future of not only our community, but our society and humanity at large.

"Art develops creative intelligence" - Carlo Thertus

[Deborah Blackwell, Founder/Director of Studio 84 Inc. Whitewater, Wisconsin--www.studio84inc.org]

So well said Michelle!! Not only does the talent need to be recognized and supported, but creativity needs to be encouraged, and become an integral part of our education system. For it is in a creative spirit that new things develop. Without imagination, without creativity, where would we be now? Creative, artistic souls are the root of everything we buy, touch, feel, experience in life, from the fine art in the museum, to the clothes we wear and the beer can you drink from. Those in the business world need this creative spirit just as much as the next inventor. As Albert Einstein stated: "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

The arts are also an important link in a city's economic development. We need more creative city leaders to recognize that also.

Here at Studio 84 in Whitewater, Wisconsin, we support that creativity in all who enter our doors. (www.studio84inc.org) We support all ages and abilities and our staff specializes in working with people with disabilities. Our moto: "A Creative Focus on the Abilities through the Arts".

It's a good feeling to know Michelle and Barack support the arts.

[Christine]

I hope she plans on hounding Congress with the same message. With her approval rating they just might pay attention for a change.

[Dennis Bathory-Kitsz]

And maybe she can press the NEA to change that motto from "A Great Nation Deserves Great Art" to "A Great Nation Creates Great Art".

[Joanne Mattera]

Wonderful address from our First Lady. It's nice to know that the arts are considered important. BUT . . .

. . . acknowledging our work is the first step to actually supporting it. Now we need financial help for artists. Grants. Help with studio rent (imagine paying two rents, home and studio, on an irregular salary?) Affordable housing. More percent-for-art commissions and purchases. More municipal, state and federal dollars to put artwork in public buildings. (Artists are small businesses, sole proprietors, and taxpayers. Grants are not handouts but investments in out culture.)

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Glad to see Mrs. O. can get up and read this speechwriter speech for the G20 when the United States is dead last for arts funding in the developed world. As a great man once put it--"it's full of, of, of things that are only correct because they're grammatical but they're tough on the ear, you see; this is a very wearying one, it's unpleasant to read. Unrewarding."

Also I think the pilcrows on the wall behind her are backwards. Our nation, under illiteracy, inderisible, with bibulousness and just sauce for all...

[Alaine]

That is an amazing inspirational piece. She makes me feel that my work as a dance educator, choreographer, dancer, producer worthwhile. :-)

[Francois Bardol]

Art is an essential layer of life. Without creativity , we would still be in the Stone Age (or further). Everything we drive , wear , buy , or live in, as well as the infra structure of our Cities , Highways , and factories, is designed by Artists.

[Moe]

I really envy Michelle Obama but can she do as her talking?