By Euhna Basu, Contributing Writer |

A famous pianist, Béla Bartók, once said “Competitions are for horses, not artists.” This sentiment reflects the common criticism of arts competitions as unnecessary and even detrimental given the inherently personal and creative nature of the arts. It may seem baffling to see artists judged, scored, and ranked by mere tenths or hundredths of a point in the realm of subjective artform. While these criticisms may not be entirely unfounded, competitions in the arts can even provide immense benefits, especially when approached with a thoughtful and healthy attitude.

One important advantage of arts competitions is the motivation they instill in students. According to Ms. Brady-Lopez, the head of Winsor’s performing arts department, competitions provide “a deadline for preparation” and “a high standard for which to reach,” as well as potential recognition, including prizes, performance opportunities, or publications. Arts competitions also provide a forum to display and memorialize one’s achievements in front of experts in the field for feedback. In this way, competitions encourage participants to challenge themselves and strive for improvement. They enhance creativity and develop discipline by pushing students to refine their skills and explore new ideas.

Admittedly, arts competitions are not without their limitations. Since art is subjective, judges may value different aspects and disagree on which artist produces the “best” work, which is frustrating for participants. Competitions can also be stressful because of their emphasis on winning—even experienced young artists are not immune to competition stress. “It’s easy to get caught up in results,” says Chloe Wang ’28, a ballet dancer who has participated in competitions for many years. The high stakes and constant comparison can make competitions a tense and sometimes discouraging experience for even the most dedicated artists.

However, when approached with a healthy mindset, these challenges can be managed without losing focus or passion for the art itself. Wang explains, “I try not to take results too personally and just focus on what I can control,” allowing her to keep in mind why she loves dancing in the first place. Similarly, Ms. Brady-Lopez emphasizes the importance of perspective, encouraging students to view competitions as “stops along the way in a journey of life-long music making.” By focusing on personal improvement rather than external validation, students can learn resilience, maintain their passion, and use competitions as a constructive part of their artistic development rather than a source of discouragement and stress.

While competitions in the arts may not always seem fair or even proper, they remain a valuable tool in supporting and encouraging creative growth among students, if they are not relied upon as the only measure of artistic ability.