Arts & the Mind

Beginning with the first cave paintings created thousands of years ago, art has long held a central role in defining what it means to be human. Lisa Kudrow hosts this two-part PBS documentary by filmmaker Leo Eaton on how the arts can spark creativity, enrich lives, and impact the human brain, particularly among children and senior citizens. Visiting schools, the program illustrates how the arts allow students to collaborate, tear down walls and barriers, share emotions, budget time, and self motivate. Unfortunately, however, in these times of tight budgets and standardized tests, programs related to the arts are often the first to be cut. In the case of seniors—drawing on the "use it or lose it" principle—the arts can help promote movement or stimulate memories, which might help to combat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Other topics covered here include the roles of music, storytelling, poetry, and communal arts (like mural making) that more closely bind communities. The arts are also increasingly valued as a means of helping to heal chronically ill children or veterans afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder. Scientists, physicians, teachers, and individuals (including actor Tim Robbins and musician Herb Alpert) testify about how the arts can reduce conflict and encourage improvisation and risk taking. Insightful and inspirational, this documentary will be a useful starting point for related discussion. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)