Along the barrier walls of Mexico and San Diego County stands a mural-sized portrait of a toddler reaching down as though trying to escape his crib. The simple painting has become another voice amidst the difficult tensions the countries face.

The power of art is its ability to provoke thought and question opinions, and we need to show our appreciation for it. The French artist who created the massive exhibition on the border displayed it just in time for President Trump’s call for an end to DACA. This artwork has the potential to change a person’s mind, and thanks to the Internet and mass media, viewers can access this story in a variety of ways. The chance for an artist to reach diverse groups of people and effect public opinion has broadened in the technological age.

What’s interesting about art is that it covers a multitude of mediums from theater to sewing, and caters to people who are wired differently. That means that all kinds of people can be motivated or encouraged. Each form has the ability to make a difference. Each type can further a motive, shown in acting from contrasting characters or knitting hats for the women’s marches around the country. Fostering creative potential the same way that we incubate intellectuals could produce great pieces that inspire a generation. It is important for us to facilitate the arts in schools and public events.

No matter who you are in this world, where you come from, what you believe in or how old you are, art is something that can be appreciated universally.