Every short to medium term plan must be a part of the long term objective. The plans formulated for today’s children, planning the family finances, or improving a nations’ education and healthcare systems, all require a long term vision. Without dreams there can be no future. The artisans’ vision communicated in writing, audio or visual is the key to social development and everyday new ideas are spawned, old ideas are refined and good ideas are funded, making the arts and culture the driving force behind the development of a civilization.Parents and guardians can no longer depend on the strategies that were used to guide them through childhood. Technological advancement has brought good and bad to this ever changing world. Today’s children still must eat, learn and be generally protected but most of all they must dream, for it is this personal skill above all others that brings the critical change used to solve problems and improve lifestyles. Constant exposure to stimulating art and culture will develop confident imaginations that drive development.
Family and individual financial budgeting must consider the long-term effects of non essential expenses such as, entertainment or holiday. Yes, the memories of a great vacation does last and brings joy but does anyone want to remember how much that vacation cost, when one’s pension benefits cannot pay for basic living expenses. It is those shows, the music, the dance and the relaxing moments that ward off mental illness, saving a fortune in medical bills. Art and culture keeps a person productive.
An investment in local art and culture, too many seems like a colossal waste, moneys better spent on things that can be measure. The education system invests in infrastructure (buildings, playgrounds, etc.) to produce, at the very least, literate people that can and would, uphold the laws and pay taxes to maintain and improve the education system for the next generation. Art and culture provides that needed outlet for many people to voice an opinion without frustration or negative consequences.
For both the participants of the production and the attending audience, the benefits are carried forward into their next activity; be it teaching, nursing, parenting or other high stress mental work, feeling very relaxed and renewed. The health system must constantly provide solutions that will improve lifestyles, by investing in research and development, plant and equipment, and advance training. The parallels to the art and culture industry are uncanny, hence providing preventative measures to the population, who would otherwise vent in violent actions, protest or by abusing drugs and alcohol.
The returns on social investments are minds that are finding solutions to climate change, finding renewable energy sources, predicting and preventing natural disasters, eradicating poverty, improving health and education and a better economic system.
Rationale
T.A.J & Associates Company Limited uses this occasion to comment on topics that have been covered, both academically and by the mainstream media, to add its opinion and point out investment opportunity, not to invoke any social action.
