Since time immemorial, the arts have taken center stage in every country and culture. It is often said that, to understand a nation, one should become familiar with its arts, which is a reflection of its society. The American arts and culture scene has always been on the cutting edge and avant-garde, and its colorful palette offers a rich diversity of events and programs. From a botanical garden, plays, and historical societies to art exhibits, art galleries, museums and zoos, the arts and culture industry in the United States is thriving- raking in a whopping $166.2 billion in annual profits. It is an economic powerhouse that contributes considerably to the employment market, drives tourist dollars, and generates government revenue. Participants in artistic and cultural activities reap priceless intrinsic benefits, for the arts educate and engage the public in a subtle manner and on a profound level, inspire, and give meaning to shared experiences. What follows is a discussion of some of the popular arts and culture genres:
1. Art and Science Centers
Art and science centers have something for everyone- children, corporate groups, school groups, adults, and families-and and for all levels- novices and virtuosos. Nature lovers and visitors who appreciate art and science can partake in a scientific and artistic discovery and exploration of their natural surroundings. Art and science centers offer a wide variety of activities and informative features, such as the following:
- IMAX theaters featuring documentaries with a scientific focus
- Educational and entertaining permanent exhibits
- Tours and presentations on human innovations and inventions, such as solar cars, earthquake-resistant structures, and digital imaging
- Discussions on and demonstrations of the evolutionary processes of living things
- Exhibitions, such as air and space exhibits, which are usually free of charge and open to the public
- Science fairs
- Scheduled field trips to planetariums
- Summer camps
- Hundreds of creative science and art classes and workshops for children and adults
- Charity auctions
Art and science centers offer visitors engaging opportunities for creative, hands-on experimentation, and for learning and interacting with the world around them. Attendees may avail themselves of numerous art and science workshops in such areas as sculpture, drawing, painting, natural history illustration, fiber art, photography, pottery, animation and cartooning, photography, visual arts, and science, among others. Art and science centers accommodate the schedules of busy Americans by offering after-school and summer classes for exposure to and training as well as skill-honing in the arts. Festive, instructive and enlightening art and science parties, centered around a particular theme for groups of children or adults, can also be scheduled for purposes of celebrating a host of special occasions.
2. Planetariums
Each year, millions of Americans and tourists visit planetariums for astronomical inspiration and education. In the dome-shaped theater that is the planetarium, visitors can choose from a variety of entertaining and instructive shows about the evening sky and astronomy. Among the topics covered in the shows are the following: (1) the moon's phases, (2) the planets, stars and constellations, (3) North American, African or Greek mythology, (4) lunar and Earth cycles, (5) eclipses, asteroids, and comets and other celestial objects, (6) the solar system, and (7) the concept of dark energy. Planetariums offer guests a live tour of the starry night sky on the evening of their visit. A variety of spectacular sky and star shows are available to the public. Furthermore, planetariums provide memorable, reasonably-priced birthday party packages. These are generally comprised of space-themed activities and games, a party host, a star extravaganza, a private room, and much more. Admission fees at planetariums often depend upon whether one is a student, senior citizen, or member, all of whom generally benefit from discounts . Also, a reduced group rate is usually available for groups consisting of 15 or more individuals. Visitors will also find such convenient amenities as an ATM and a food court or kiosks. Finally, the average planetarium is wheelchair-accessible.
3. Aquariums
Another highly-frequented cultural venue promoting exposure to, an appreciation for, and an in-depth understanding of the natural environment are aquariums. Many offer an extensive array of year-round activities and programs that are free of charge. Some of the regularly-scheduled programs include demonstrations, live animal presentations, undersea tours, visitor participation games, marine live movies, among others. Participants get a chance to discover the exotic creatures, such as belugas, sharks, sea turtles and tetras that inhabit the world's streams, rivers, oceans, seas, estuaries and other bodies of water. Visitors may also partake in events such as (1) marine mammal shows, (2) whale or dolphin-watching trips, (3) animal encounters, in which they can meet an animal up-close, and (4) presentations of Caribbean and coral reefs. Many aquariums also offer standard-schedule and after-hours rentals. Tickets may be purchased online, and numerous categories of individuals usually qualify for discounts. A discounted rate is generally available to residents, firefighters, students, police officers, teachers and military personnel.