P’an Ku Essay Contest:
Why Art Matters
In this not-so-brave new world, STEM (an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),
the latest buzzword and bandwagon which many politicians and educators have hitched their metaphorical
horses to, has created an environment that does not just question the relevance of art but tends to totally ignore
it. Traditionally, when budget crunches occurred in K-12, art (and also music) was the first program to be cut
or greatly curtailed. This time, something even more ominous seems to be happening. Not only the arts, but
the value of a liberal arts education is being called to question. We are told we need to compete with the rest of
the world in terms of STEM and that we need to be “educating” and turning out students with degrees that will
help (guarantee?) them get a job. Further, public funding for the arts, whether it has been art in the schools
programs, art in public places, NEA grants, and many other programs meant to foster and support the arts have
come into question. These are the times when those who believe in and value the arts and a liberal arts education
need to step forward and speak out. Luckily, many people are doing just that.
P’an Ku wants our students to get involved in this discussion. Thus, we are sponsoring this essay contest. The title
of the essay is: Why Art Matters. That is a statement and not a question. The goal of the essay should be to make a
case for the relevance and the importance of art (however the student chooses to define it), not only to our education, but also to our everyday lives. The writer may refer to any authorities or sources but should credit them as
appropriate. The point is not to denigrate the importance of STEM but to show how Art is not only compatible
with that but should be an integral part of it (STEAM) to help create a fully-educated and enlightened individual.
Contest Details
Title of Essay: Why Art Matters
Maximum length: 5,000 words
Format: MLA style
Eligibility: Current Broward College student, taking a minimum of six credits, with a GPA of at least 2.0
Deadline: Friday, March 22, 2013
Benefits: Essay will be published in the Spring 2013 issue of P’an Ku, and the student will receive a $100 award.
John F. Kennedy said: “We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.”
“The artist makes things concrete and gives them individuality.”
--Paul Cezanne
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Picasso