Dance. Writing. Music. All of these things have one thing in common: They are a form of art — a representation of their creator’s inner thoughts, feelings and dreams — which, unfortunately, remains underappreciated in modern society. Even at an academically diverse institution such as Georgetown University, where our community dedicates itself to the humanities through politics, philosophy and literature, the contrast between the perceived value of art and that of the “more applicable” studies is stark, to say the least. 

Take, for example, the McDonough School of Business (MSB). Students’ pursuit of business, finance and consulting is deemed to be serious and necessary, as seen from the countless opportunities and connections Georgetown provides through finance- and business-related student clubs. Apparently, the study of business and entrepreneurship is so essential to the current state of the world that Georgetown decided to develop the curriculum for not one, not two, and not even three but four business-focused majors: international business, language and culture, a joint degree between the MSB and the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS); global business in the School of Foreign Service (SFS); business and global affairs — a joint program between the MSB and SFS; and international business in the MSB. 

Now, check the CAS catalog of majors and minors. Creative writing, film and media studies, journalism and performing arts are only offered as minors. This pattern exists despite the Georgetown community’s growing interest in adding more performing arts spaces and increasing funding for arts programs. Instead of figuring out more creative ways to spell “business,” Georgetown University could delegate its finances responsibly (following its own business curriculum) and invest in ways to promote the creative arts. 

One might argue that arts programs would not receive enough interest to survive. However, the overwhelming evidence proves otherwise. Besides The Hoya, The Voice, On the Record and The Caravel, there are countless other media organizations run by ambitious and curious student writers. Fitting in with the creative writing cohort, one can find publications such as The Anthem, The Georgetown Independent, Added to the File and more. I would run out of space mentioning student-run dance groups like Groove Theory or music groups ranging from The Chimes to the Georgetown Radio. Evidently, there is demand. What lacks — in clear terms for all of the business people — is supply. If Georgetown were to expand its creative writing, journalism or any other overlooked minor, many students would benefit from their craft and passion being appreciated and nurtured. 

That is not to say creative arts should be valued over studies in business, finance or economics, but neither should they be swept under the rug. The excuse that these disciplines are not relevant anymore is, in and of itself, not valid. The cultural ethos has shown again and again, through the criticism of artificial intelligence (AI) writing, backlash to Timothée Chalamet’s caustic comments about ballet and opera and recent studies linking engagement in arts with health benefits that we care about creative expression, now more than ever. Without constantly exercising our imaginations and turning creative ideas into practice, we lose our identities. Georgetown must be the kind of place where all students have access to creative opportunities, especially if it is something they intend to turn into a professional endeavor. Dance. Writing. Music. All of these things have one thing in common: They are no less important than finance, politics or technology, and they should be treated as such. 

So, my fellow Hoyas, go to that dance performance on Friday night, take that fiction workshop within the creative writing minor or attend a spring showcase by your favorite Georgetown musical group. You are in power to support your artistic peers, so do not let this message go unnoticed. 

Oleksandra Nikanova is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences.