Photo: Marlowe, Featured Artist, 2025 Global Art Show
“[Participation in the arts] allows you to really fulfill your full self in terms of creative expression and your self-identity. And I want to encourage anybody who hears this who is creative to not be shy about it but throw yourself wholeheartedly into it.” — Ben Johnson
Each year, Clonlara’s Global Art Show celebrates the artistic talents of our students and staff from around the world. In preparation for this year’s event, we sat down with Ben Johnson, director of the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department for the City of Minneapolis, to talk all things arts education. Ben shares his thoughts on the power of the arts to improve the lives of individuals, communities, and the world—and gives some advice for our student artists!
The Importance of Arts Education
Ben believes that arts education helps students develop their mind and emotions. He describes how the arts can help us enter into different points of view, deepening our knowledge and giving us a stronger ability to communicate authentically with a variety of people.
“Just the art of practicing music will teach you how to have a skill set and the discipline you’re going to need to be successful,” adds Ben.
He notes that arts education can support students’ future success academically, socially, emotionally, and even economically! “You just have to have a hustle, be creative, follow your bliss and your passion, know what inspires you, and be unapologetic about it,” Ben says.
Suggestions for Schools and Families
Ben believes that schools and families should expose kids to the arts early, teach them to participate in public life, and advocate for the arts in their local community!
He recommends that schools invite artists to visit, especially with younger students, because it might be their first opportunity to meet an artist. After witnessing an amazing guest percussionist play or collaborating with a visiting artist on a mural or play, kids might find their passion for the arts!
“I really think that participation in the arts is a learned behavior,” notes Ben. Schools and families can put together field trips to go see art shows or plays, teaching their students how to appreciate art and participate in public life. And if we want our communities to have robust arts ecosystems that we can access, Ben says we need to advocate for arts funding and programming.
Ben’s Message to Global Art Show Participants
“Congratulations on your work!” Ben says to our students preparing to showcase their work this weekend. “I hope that you are all really excited about it. And if you’ve never been told that you’re incredible, you’re incredible because you’re an artist—and so hear it from me.”
Ben encourages our artists to support and ask questions about their friends’ work, and to invite questions about their own work, as well, so that they can think about it even more deeply. Put aside any thoughts of shyness, embarrassment, or fear, he says, and own your creativity with confidence!
Lessons from Ben’s Professional Journey in the Art World
Watch the full interview to hear more about Ben’s journey in the art world and some of his most memorable professional projects, like founding the Arab World Music Festival in Michigan and collaborating with the best gospel singers in the city of Detroit! Ben also discusses a global perspective of art from his world travels and the role of digital media and technology in art.
Thank you, Ben, for sharing your knowledge and experience with our community! We’re looking forward to celebrating with everyone at our Global Art Show this Saturday, March 15, 2025.
There are many ways to support Clonlara’s mission. Volunteer to share your time, knowledge, and experience; or donate and have a direct impact on our community.
An Expert’s Perspective on Arts Education
Photo: Marlowe, Featured Artist, 2025 Global Art Show
Each year, Clonlara’s Global Art Show celebrates the artistic talents of our students and staff from around the world. In preparation for this year’s event, we sat down with Ben Johnson, director of the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department for the City of Minneapolis, to talk all things arts education. Ben shares his thoughts on the power of the arts to improve the lives of individuals, communities, and the world—and gives some advice for our student artists!
The Importance of Arts Education
Ben believes that arts education helps students develop their mind and emotions. He describes how the arts can help us enter into different points of view, deepening our knowledge and giving us a stronger ability to communicate authentically with a variety of people.
“Just the art of practicing music will teach you how to have a skill set and the discipline you’re going to need to be successful,” adds Ben.
He notes that arts education can support students’ future success academically, socially, emotionally, and even economically! “You just have to have a hustle, be creative, follow your bliss and your passion, know what inspires you, and be unapologetic about it,” Ben says.
Suggestions for Schools and Families
Ben believes that schools and families should expose kids to the arts early, teach them to participate in public life, and advocate for the arts in their local community!
He recommends that schools invite artists to visit, especially with younger students, because it might be their first opportunity to meet an artist. After witnessing an amazing guest percussionist play or collaborating with a visiting artist on a mural or play, kids might find their passion for the arts!
“I really think that participation in the arts is a learned behavior,” notes Ben. Schools and families can put together field trips to go see art shows or plays, teaching their students how to appreciate art and participate in public life. And if we want our communities to have robust arts ecosystems that we can access, Ben says we need to advocate for arts funding and programming.
Ben’s Message to Global Art Show Participants
“Congratulations on your work!” Ben says to our students preparing to showcase their work this weekend. “I hope that you are all really excited about it. And if you’ve never been told that you’re incredible, you’re incredible because you’re an artist—and so hear it from me.”
Ben encourages our artists to support and ask questions about their friends’ work, and to invite questions about their own work, as well, so that they can think about it even more deeply. Put aside any thoughts of shyness, embarrassment, or fear, he says, and own your creativity with confidence!
Lessons from Ben’s Professional Journey in the Art World
Watch the full interview to hear more about Ben’s journey in the art world and some of his most memorable professional projects, like founding the Arab World Music Festival in Michigan and collaborating with the best gospel singers in the city of Detroit! Ben also discusses a global perspective of art from his world travels and the role of digital media and technology in art.
Thank you, Ben, for sharing your knowledge and experience with our community! We’re looking forward to celebrating with everyone at our Global Art Show this Saturday, March 15, 2025.
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Support Clonlara
There are many ways to support Clonlara’s mission. Volunteer to share your time, knowledge, and experience; or donate and have a direct impact on our community.