Art in all forms is often described as one of the most powerful means of communication that allows artists to reach out to the world through their creative expressions and productions. Through out history arts have played a crucial role in human enlightenment. It is almost impossible to imagine civic and enlightened existence without the presence and knowledge of arts. Visual arts and literature for example have enriched the human existence by capturing human history. Various religious literatures serve as spiritual guides and uplift human spirit. Furthermore, modern scientific research has established positive links between arts and emotional, intellectual and psychological development in humans. The following illustrates the indispensable nature of arts due to the roles they play in overall human development:  

The arts enhance the process of learning. The systems they nourish, which include our integrated sensory, attentional, cognitive, emotional, and major capacities, are, in fact, the driving forces behind all other learning. That does not mean that one cannot learn without the arts; many have. The arts, however, provide learners with opportunities to simultaneously develop and mature multiple brain system… [1]

Arts benefit both the artists and those who cherish art. It is widely admitted that “[a]rts promote self-discipline and motivation. Increases aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, social harmony, creativity, improve emotional expression, appreciation for diversity..”[2] In the West in-depth research has been carried out on the merits of incorporating arts, visual art in particular, in early child and teen education. The following illustrates how visual art inculcates creativity, critical thinking, respect for diversity and open exchange of ideas among the youth learners: 

Art allows the viewer to interpret through personal lenses and contexts. This freedom of contemplation and interpretation enables students to become more attuned to their inner voices and expressions of ideas. As students routinely engage with works of art and accompanying discussions, making connections to their own lives,…. [A]rt education emancipates, offering young learners ways to understand others' points of view and experiences, not just through the art piece itself but through discussion as well. Open-ended questions promote this type of critical thinking and help children look at the world through many lenses.[3]

At Al-Rawiya Foundation we embrace arts and are against censorship of art & literature. We firmly believe in and promote the right of creative expression. The Foundation provides women a platform for creative expression through Literary Salon and other literary events where mainstream English literature is studied. These events inculcate love for literature, critical thinking and self-expression. In order to promote love for reading among the youth the Foundation hosts the ArtLit Competition for  teens nationwide. As part of the competition the teens are required to read one of the three selected novels and write a paper to be considered for prizes. More information about the competition can be found here.

Arts and interfaith action: 

At Al-Rawiya Foundation we strongly believe in interfaith action. Each year the ArtLit Competition and Exhibition award ceremony brings together artists, published novelists, filmmakers and religious scholars from different backgrounds in order to promote art & literature. The Foundation also supports the local artists of different backgrounds by showcasing their work at Al-Rawiya events such as Mind Body & Spirit Women’s Retreat and ArtLit Competition and Exhibition. The ArtLit event also provides under privileged children with an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. It is fitting to end with the following intriguing quotes:

Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.
- C.S. Lewis

Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart.
- Salman Rushdie

The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

References:
[1] Jensen, Eric. Arts with the Brain in Mind. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001. Page 2

[2] ibid, page 3

[3] Christensen, Lois Mcfadyen. Kirkland, Lynn Doty. Early Childhood Visual Arts Curriculum: Freeing Spaces to Express Developmental and Cultural Palettes of Mind. Childhood Education International. Volume: 86. Issue: 2. 2009. Page 87+

“Through life’s rush
never forget compassion”