When you think about efforts to alleviate poverty, reduce crime, improve education and others aimed at making a real difference in the world, what kinds of strategies do you imagine? Laws that are more just? New technologies? Innovative medical treatments? Increasing the allocation of resources? Or perhaps you believe it’s about people simply rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help.

All seem essential. But I’ll bet your short list of realistic solutions does not include the arts. If true, you are not alone—but that could be changing... (continue reading)