Art as a bridge to understanding: how culture helps students get involved in society

Cultural activities are often described as an enjoyable leisure option, but their influence can be far more significant. Research indicates that professional art can develop empathy, strengthen mutual understanding, and help people recognize their role in society. These abilities are essential not only for personal life but also for the functioning of communities.

Aija Tūna, head of the "Latvijas skolas soma" programme, believes that culture and civic participation are closely intertwined. In her view, cultural events can encourage schoolchildren to think about their place in society and about their potential to influence surrounding processes. Experiencing culture, from this perspective, is not a passive act but an opportunity to build awareness of civic responsibility and the meaning of participation.

Artworks and cultural events can help young people perceive different perspectives and empathize with others. This, in turn, can foster tolerance and a desire to get involved in public matters. Culture thus serves as a bridge between aesthetic experience and social understanding. Students who encounter a broad range of cultural offerings may become more conscious of their role in society and more willing to take responsibility for its development.