Facilitating Access to Artworks by Print Media Industry in the Age of Digital Communication

Abstract

This paper is a review of literature that discusses how print media industry can facilitate access to artworks for utilization, particularly in rehabilitation/reformation centers, rest/orphanage homes, hospitals and institutions of learning. Artworks contribute significantly to human well-being. Artworks exist as a universal human language and serve not only for entertainment and aesthetic purposes but also for increasing understanding of ourselves and the world around us. For instance, the display of artworks in our communities can help to bring about social changes and economic development. Equally, artworks have vital impact on individual self-managed development.  But documented evidence shows that there is difficulty in accessing artworks in aforementioned places for utilization. This has contributed to the prevalent economic crises and variety of mental health needs, social and emotional difficulties related to disabilities in our society which could have been resolved by utilizing artworks and art therapy. This study discusses how print media industry can facilitate access to artworks where they are needed in this age of digital communication toward addressing some of these social and health related problems. It also notes that the academy – industry cooperation mechanism can build a databank for digital content which could be used for reproduction and dissemination of artworks. The paper concludes that academy – industry cooperation mechanism is vital to facilitating access to artworks for utilization in the health, education, and industry sectors and can also be a source for generating revenue through tourism and consumer purchases.