When Curt Holman learned he had been selected as the recipient of the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Lecturer Award, he was surprised. As a faculty member in the arts, he never expected to receive an honor often associated with BYU’s most distinguished scholars and educators.
Holman is the 66th recipient of the award and was selected from over 1,600 faculty members.
Speaking at a BYU forum this morning, he used his lecture to explore a central question: Why do the arts matter?
“At a time when many institutions of higher education face increasing pressure to justify programs through measurable outcomes and immediate utility, BYU continues to invest in artistic education and creative expression,” he said.
Referencing the university’s new Music Building and soon-to-be-completed Arts Building, Holman said they represent BYU’s belief that education is about helping students become fully developed human beings.
Drawing from history, Holman explained that artistic expression has been part of every culture, from ancient cave paintings and music to storytelling and dance. He also pointed to the early Latter-day Saint pioneers, who prioritized music, drama and cultural life despite the challenges of trekking to the Salt Lake Valley.
“The arts are not a luxury that civilizations pursue after everything else is finished,” he said. “They help us celebrate, mourn, worship, remember, and hope along the way.”
Holman emphasized that the arts communicate meaning in ways that facts alone cannot. “The arts do not simply communicate information. They communicate meaning,” he said.
He also shared lessons learned while preparing the BYU Ballroom Dance Company for the British Championships in Blackpool, England. Through months of preparation, students developed discipline, resilience and teamwork as the process shaped them personally.
After the competition, the team traveled to India, where they performed and participated in service opportunities. Comparing the championship ballroom to a school courtyard filled with nearly 1,200 children, Holman said both experiences demonstrated the power of the arts to connect people across cultures and circumstances.
“The arts possess a remarkable capacity to deepen understanding, transform the lives of those who engage in the process, and strengthen human connection,” he said.
Holman concluded by testifying that God invites His children to participate in the ongoing work of creation and that the creative process helps individuals grow, become and draw closer to their Creator.
After his address, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company performed in the Marriott Center.
