the arts

modes of expression that use skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others.

Traditional categories within the arts include literature (including poetry, drama, story, and so on), the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.), the graphic arts (painting, drawing, design, and other forms expressed on flat surfaces), the plastic arts (sculpture, modeling), the decorative arts (enamelwork, furniture design, mosaic, etc.), the performing arts (theatre, dance, music), music (as composition), and architecture (often including interior design).

The arts are treated in a number of articles. For general discussions of the foundations, principles, practice, and character of the arts, see aesthetics. For the technical and theoretical aspects of several arts, see architecture, calligraphy, dance, drawing, literature, motion picture, music, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and theatre. See also the historical discussions in history of the motion picture and history of photography.

Technical and historical discussions of decorative arts and furnishings can be found in basketry, enamelwork, floral decoration, furniture, glassware, interior design, lacquerwork, metalwork, mosaic, pottery, rug and carpet, stained glass, and tapestry.

For treatments of the various arts as practiced by specific peoples and cultures, see African architecture; African art; ... (200 of 1769 words)

Aspects of the topic the arts are discussed in the following places at Britannica.

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