Last weekend the Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance and Deerfield Township presented in part of their ongoing Performing Arts Series, The Frisch Marionettes, Hansel and Gretel.
The marionettes are a unique art form that include sculpture, science, fiber arts, set design, music and the skill of the puppeteer. 200 people attended our event. It made me wonder...what will this audience take away from this performance today? When they leave, how will they feel? What will they think? Will be conscience in knowing that they have been enriched?
We know that the public value of the arts is often a layered concept. When defining the public value of the arts, people attach words like instrumental benefits along with public and private benefits. We've seen research studies that concentrate on the economic, social, health and behavioral benefits of the arts, too.
When the Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance sets out to develop yearly arts programming, we have a responsibility to be mindful of many elements that will make that programming accessible to the community. We measure location, cost, time and educational value. But, mostly importantly, we measure something that we can't possibly anticipate...the audience's value of the event. We cross our fingers and hope, first that they will show and second that they will leave enriched.
That intangible thing...that thing that "effects" our audience...that what is known as the intrinsic benefit. That is what we care about the most. We don't set out to stimulate the economy or improve test scores. We set out to contribute to the overall experience of a person. We look to inspire them and to cultivate even more interest in the arts. We look to enrich their lives and hope that as a family they have shared and enjoyed common experience.
The public value of the arts can be measured in many ways. But for us, it's best captured in this photograph. Wonder, curiosity, enjoyment and the love of the arts that is nurtured in a child.
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