The value of research in creativity and the arts

Scientists and technologists conducting research in creativity and engaging with artists face political pressure to justify their work via economic arguments. These arguments often stress how the work can lead to innovation and economic growth. This has the negative side-effect of dismissing the intrinsic value of the arts for society. The implication is that arts and creativity work that does not have economic merit is not valuable and not worthy of public funding. A case study of the NSF-funded Dance.Draw project is used to illustrate these points. I argue that a shift in dialogue is needed to focus more on the qualitative value of this work to society and less on the economic value.