Abstract

This chapter examines how the Bahá’í Faith is noted for its diverse artistic expressions and is unique in how it views art—its purpose, uses, and importance to culture and civilisation. Aspects covered include examples of how art is referenced in the Bahá’í Writings; how art is related to the Bahá’í concept of work as worship and to the process of community building; the importance of developing talent and pursuing occupations; child, youth, and adult education related to art; the spread and discussion of the Bahá’í Faith through publication, exhibition, drama, film screenings, and social media; the role of individual freedom of expression; the purpose of the review and critique of art; the conception, design, and use of Houses of Worship and holy shrines; examples of Bahá’ís in the arts; the future of art in a Bahá’í context; and other aspects related to art and art making.