Most parents want their kids to be altruistic, tolerant, and open-minded. To achieve that, all they have to do is to expose them to the arts, scientists say.

Researchers from the University of Illinois report that people who engage in the arts – or even those who see others engaging in the arts – contribute more to society than those who don’t.

The sample of the study consisted of 2,765 randomly selected adults, who were asked about their participation in neighborhood associations, church and religious organizations, civic and fraternal organizations, sports groups, charitable organizations, political parties, professional associations and trade unions.

To determine social tolerance, the researchers measured both acceptance for gender orientation and race. To measure altruistic behavior, the researchers looked at things such as whether people donated blood or gave directions to strangers, reports Discovery News.

Furthermore, arts exposure was defined as going to museums or music, opera and theater events; arts expression was defined as making or performing art.

“If policymakers are concerned about a decline in community life, the arts shouldn’t be disregarded as a means to promote an active citizenry,” authors of the study say.

They hope the positive findings will strengthen the government’s support for the arts.

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