Efforts to promote creativity in communities have led to the development of the artist citizen.
Vocal performance majors Natalie Logan and Ashley Dixon traveled Saturday and Sunday to attend the 2013 College Music Society Summit, or CMS, at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, to learn about the concept of artist citizenry from a series of speakers, teachers, musicians and actors.
At the CMS Summit, different types of artists gathered to discuss the future of music as it relates to the community.
As students of opera, Logan and Dixon were selected to represent the LSU School of Music to learn not only about the artist citizen, but to also present their findings to the school and recommend the next steps to take.
“The artist citizen movement has many facets, but a primary tenet is asking the important questions about the relevancy of the arts in today’s and tomorrow’s society,” said Laurence Kaptain, dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts. “What does it mean to be an artist? What does it mean to be a responsible citizen? How does one infuse artistry with citizenship and citizenship with artistry?”
The overall concept of developing the artist citizen involves using art forms to interact with and teach community members the importance and beauty of music. Bridging the gap between performer and audience allows people to experience art and music in a new way, Dixon said.
“Our art form is going to die if we don’t make a change,” Logan said. “The future of good artist citizens in both Baton Rouge and the country will entail artists reaching out beyond self-indulgent and self-serving fulfillment to make our art accessible to everyone — children and adults of any talent level. We will need to continue to connect with our audiences on a more personal level in any way that we can.”
Among the speakers at the summit was Joseph Polisi, president of The Juilliard School.
“The artists of the 21st century must dedicate themselves to a broader agenda. They must be knowledgable about the intricacies of our society so that we can continue to show how our art is powerful and relevant,” Polisi said.
Another speaker in attendance was renowned actor, teacher and author Eric Booth.
“When the rate of external change exceeds the rate of internal change, the end is near,” Booth said.
Not only did Logan and Dixon learn the importance of being an artist citizen, but they also plan to form a chapter of the College Music Society at the University.
“In our student chapter of CMS, we hope to brainstorm how LSU musicians can form a bridge between the community members who love and appreciate art and the professional art world,” Logan said. “We will plan projects a few times a month at libraries, community venues or rooms within the LSU School of Music where LSU artists perform for the community and then interact with our audiences on a personal level.”
By promoting creativity and collaboration between both musicians and non-musicians alike, programs such as LSU Opera can not only remain, but thrive, Dixon said. An article in The New York Times claimed that the University has one of the best music programs in the country.
“That’s the point of this club,” Logan said. “To start the conversation of how and why art is so important in our society.”
For students interested in learning more about the organization, Logan and Dixon will be giving a presentation at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 in the School of Music Recital Hall to promote the new organization.
“Our art form is going to die if we don’t make a change.”
