Hello, it's almost summer! *starts singing What time is? from High School Musical 2*

Anyways, back to world building. Today, (and next week), I'm going to be covering The Arts, and this week I'll be focusing specifically on Arts and Crafts, Literature and Music.

Arts and Crafts

According to Wikipedia, the definition of a handicraft is, "any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools."

Handicraft is just another words for arts and crafts, but the latter is associated more with children. Wikipedia has a lengthy list of handicrafts sorted by the materials used, so you can look it up yourself. This chapter will be far too long if I type the whole thing out!

Consider what materials your society will use to make the handicraft. It could be something mentioned on the list, or an entirely new craft using materials exclusive to your world. Your choice!

What items are made?

How are the crafts made?

Are they of any importance to the culture?

Where/how did these crafts originate?

Are people taught these crafts?

How are the materials obtained?

Do the craftspeople sell their work? At what cost?

Are workshops held teaching the crafts?

What skill level is needing to make the craft?

Safety concerns?

Is art and crafts important to the education system?

Literature

Back to Wikipedia again, it states that literature is, "...any body of written works." This is very general, and could stretch to quite a few things.

Remember, world building is about using your imagination. I can't do everything for you, so you have to come up with your own ideas. Why is it important to your society? Is it even important?

Who are the famous authors/playwriters etc?

What do they write?

How does their work affect society?

Have they influenced the culture?

Have there been any writers who have had their work banned? Who and why?

Are controversial topics often covered in literature?

Is literature studied in the education system?

Music

Music covers a lot. From instruments to the composers or artists, what makes your society's music special? Are there unique instruments? Different genres? There is so much room for creativity.

What sort of music is played in your society?

What instruments are used?

Any unique instruments?

Are there any different genres from the real world?

What is traditional music, to your society?

How readily available is music? (Apps, radios etc)

Do people like music?

Is music important to the education system?

Do people commonly learn how to sing/play an instrument?

That was a long chapter! If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments!

Next time, on Your Wonderful Guide to World Building - The Arts, Part Two! There will be another long chapter next week, as we explore performances, dances, games and fashion.