why art education is important

New evidence of the benefits of arts education

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, brian kisida and bk brian kisida assistant professor, truman school of public affairs - university of missouri daniel h. bowen dhb daniel h. bowen assistant professor, college of education and human development - texas a&m university.

February 12, 2019

Engaging with art is essential to the human experience. Almost as soon as motor skills are developed, children communicate through artistic expression. The arts challenge us with different points of view, compel us to empathize with “others,” and give us the opportunity to reflect on the human condition. Empirical evidence supports these claims: Among adults, arts participation is related to behaviors that contribute to the health of civil society , such as increased civic engagement, greater social tolerance, and reductions in other-regarding behavior. Yet, while we recognize art’s transformative impacts, its place in K-12 education has become increasingly tenuous.

A critical challenge for arts education has been a lack of empirical evidence that demonstrates its educational value. Though few would deny that the arts confer intrinsic benefits, advocating “art for art’s sake” has been insufficient for preserving the arts in schools—despite national surveys showing an overwhelming majority of the public agrees that the arts are a necessary part of a well-rounded education.

Over the last few decades, the proportion of students receiving arts education has shrunk drastically . This trend is primarily attributable to the expansion of standardized-test-based accountability, which has pressured schools to focus resources on tested subjects. As the saying goes, what gets measured gets done. These pressures have disproportionately affected access to the arts in a negative way for students from historically underserved communities. For example, a federal government report found that schools designated under No Child Left Behind as needing improvement and schools with higher percentages of minority students were more likely to experience decreases in time spent on arts education.

We recently conducted the first ever large-scale, randomized controlled trial study of a city’s collective efforts to restore arts education through community partnerships and investments. Building on our previous investigations of the impacts of enriching arts field trip experiences, this study examines the effects of a sustained reinvigoration of schoolwide arts education. Specifically, our study focuses on the initial two years of Houston’s Arts Access Initiative and includes 42 elementary and middle schools with over 10,000 third- through eighth-grade students. Our study was made possible by generous support of the Houston Endowment , the National Endowment for the Arts , and the Spencer Foundation .

Due to the program’s gradual rollout and oversubscription, we implemented a lottery to randomly assign which schools initially participated. Half of these schools received substantial influxes of funding earmarked to provide students with a vast array of arts educational experiences throughout the school year. Participating schools were required to commit a monetary match to provide arts experiences. Including matched funds from the Houston Endowment, schools in the treatment group had an average of $14.67 annually per student to facilitate and enhance partnerships with arts organizations and institutions. In addition to arts education professional development for school leaders and teachers, students at the 21 treatment schools received, on average, 10 enriching arts educational experiences across dance, music, theater, and visual arts disciplines. Schools partnered with cultural organizations and institutions that provided these arts learning opportunities through before- and after-school programs, field trips, in-school performances from professional artists, and teaching-artist residencies. Principals worked with the Arts Access Initiative director and staff to help guide arts program selections that aligned with their schools’ goals.

Our research efforts were part of a multisector collaboration that united district administrators, cultural organizations and institutions, philanthropists, government officials, and researchers. Collective efforts similar to Houston’s Arts Access Initiative have become increasingly common means for supplementing arts education opportunities through school-community partnerships. Other examples include Boston’s Arts Expansion Initiative , Chicago’s Creative Schools Initiative , and Seattle’s Creative Advantage .

Through our partnership with the Houston Education Research Consortium, we obtained access to student-level demographics, attendance and disciplinary records, and test score achievement, as well as the ability to collect original survey data from all 42 schools on students’ school engagement and social and emotional-related outcomes.

We find that a substantial increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes. Relative to students assigned to the control group, treatment school students experienced a 3.6 percentage point reduction in disciplinary infractions, an improvement of 13 percent of a standard deviation in standardized writing scores, and an increase of 8 percent of a standard deviation in their compassion for others. In terms of our measure of compassion for others, students who received more arts education experiences are more interested in how other people feel and more likely to want to help people who are treated badly.

When we restrict our analysis to elementary schools, which comprised 86 percent of the sample and were the primary target of the program, we also find that increases in arts learning positively and significantly affect students’ school engagement, college aspirations, and their inclinations to draw upon works of art as a means for empathizing with others. In terms of school engagement, students in the treatment group were more likely to agree that school work is enjoyable, makes them think about things in new ways, and that their school offers programs, classes, and activities that keep them interested in school. We generally did not find evidence to suggest significant impacts on students’ math, reading, or science achievement, attendance, or our other survey outcomes, which we discuss in our full report .

As education policymakers increasingly rely on empirical evidence to guide and justify decisions, advocates struggle to make the case for the preservation and restoration of K-12 arts education. To date, there is a remarkable lack of large-scale experimental studies that investigate the educational impacts of the arts. One problem is that U.S. school systems rarely collect and report basic data that researchers could use to assess students’ access and participation in arts educational programs. Moreover, the most promising outcomes associated with arts education learning objectives extend beyond commonly reported outcomes such as math and reading test scores. There are strong reasons to suspect that engagement in arts education can improve school climate, empower students with a sense of purpose and ownership, and enhance mutual respect for their teachers and peers. Yet, as educators and policymakers have come to recognize the importance of expanding the measures we use to assess educational effectiveness, data measuring social and emotional benefits are not widely collected. Future efforts should continue to expand on the types of measures used to assess educational program and policy effectiveness.

These findings provide strong evidence that arts educational experiences can produce significant positive impacts on academic and social development. Because schools play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of citizens and leaders, it is imperative that we reflect on the fundamental purpose of a well-rounded education. This mission is critical in a time of heightened intolerance and pressing threats to our core democratic values. As policymakers begin to collect and value outcome measures beyond test scores, we are likely to further recognize the value of the arts in the fundamental mission of education.

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The Importance of Art Education in the Classroom

November 30, 2023

That deceptively simple, four-word query confronts a topic that’s occupied some of the world’s greatest creators and philosophers since Plato. How we answer this question can have much bigger consequences than whether you get to buy a piece of artwork from Banksy’s online store. The issue of art’s value becomes far more pressing when policymakers and administrators decide how to allocate time and funding for art education in schools.

Art teachers must be ready to advocate for committing the necessary resources to prioritize the value of creativity in the classroom. You may have to explain the importance of art education in a school’s curriculum and present the research to back up those claims. We can become powerful advocates for the power of art and improved student outcomes by investigating the many benefits that come out of integrating more creativity into the school day and improving our classroom strategies .

Why Is Art Education In Schools Important?

Anyone who’s passionate about the arts recalls formative moments of experiencing a work of art pushing through a creative challenge. When we’re exposed to remarkable artworks or have opportunities to create, we find that art is crucial to individual growth and development and can even impact our health.

A literature review from Frontiers in Psychology outlined several studies linking aesthetic experiences with broad improvements in subjects’ emotional states that promote physical and psychological well-being. Giving learners the time, space, and materials for creative expression can lower stress, improve memory, and make them feel more socially connected. Instructors can build their careers on bringing those experiences to students in a variety of settings, like galleries, museums, or events organized by nonprofit and community organizations.

Appreciation for art also makes a significant difference in people’s lives on a macro level. Entire societies may stand to gain from an investment in the arts. Drawing on data from the General Social Survey, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Public Administration linked participation as either an audience member or creator to higher levels of civic engagement and social tolerance . This work suggests that children learning how to draw, paint, sing, or just appreciate the works made by others can help us become not just happier and healthier, but also better people. Learn about UF’s Online Master of Arts in Art Education program

How Does Art Education Help Students?

When surveyed by the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts, members of the U.S. public overwhelmingly agreed that the arts are one aspect of a well-rounded K-12 education . In addition, a recent study conducted in Houston public schools showed that students who participated in arts education see the following benefits:

• Improved writing achievement
• Reduced disciplinary infractions
• More student engagement
• Improved college aspirations
• No drop in standardized test scores

Yet, participation in the visual and performing arts is often treated as merely supplemental to other aspects of learning. As a result, there are major differences in access to art and music classes across the country.

2019 findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that eighth graders in the Northeast were much more likely to report being enrolled in a visual arts course than those in the South. Disparities were also tied to race, ethnicity, family income, and whether a school is located in a city, suburb, town, or rural area.

Meanwhile, the Nation’s Report Card shows that U.S. students continue to score lower than many of their peers in Europe and Asia on standardized tests despite years of pressure on educators to close the achievement gap. But seeking to improve student performance in math and reading does not have to come at the expense of art education.

In fact, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, argue that instruction becomes more effective when educators integrate creative activities and make them central to academic development. Across disciplines, including STEM, there’s room to reimagine classes with a strong emphasis on drawing, painting, playing music, performing drama, and other creative pursuits. Encouraging students to use their imagination can help them actively engage with new concepts and discover connections between ideas as well as provide advantages for their social and emotional well-being.

One example of effectively integrating arts and creative expression with other fields as a pedagogical strategy can be seen in the collaboration between University of Florida faculty members Susan K. Jacobson, who studies wildlife ecology and conservation, and Robert C. Mueller, who teaches printmaking. The UF professors collaborated on an interdisciplinary project in climate change communication in which groups of graduate students from both the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and the College of the Arts visited the university’s Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory. The students participated in learning activities like scientific lectures, discussions, and making collages before working in small groups to create environmental communication materials for visitors.

As this example shows, students benefit from learning to embrace insights from multiple disciplines, and this can be valuable when they go on to pursue jobs. A 2019 survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers showed that employers are interested in hiring professionals with skills that can be strengthened through participation in the arts, such as written communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and taking initiative. Art teachers can help students become more well-rounded and capable individuals by teaching them to develop original ideas through creative projects and practices.

The Importance of Art Education in Early Childhood and Beyond

It’s never too soon to introduce kids to the possibilities of creative expression. As outlined in a literature review from the National Endowment for the Arts, a variety of studies demonstrate the value of embedding artistic practice into early childhood education . Imaginative activities for young learners can lead to better skills in social interactions and emotional regulation.

Lessons in the arts introduce K-12 students to problem-solving techniques, which help them to see the world in new ways, and provide access to creative ways of knowing. Kids discover how art can communicate their own ideas and may become interested in creating increasingly realistic depictions and mastering new techniques. By high school, young artists can think critically about their own work and that of others, establishing a unique point of view and a sense of community with other creative individuals.

The National Core Arts Standards provide a framework for advancing students’ artistic understanding . This structure breaks down the developmental stages from Pre K through high school into 10 anchor standards. In each stage, students build creative habits as they learn to:

• Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
• Organize and develop ideas and work
• Refine and complete artistic work
• Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation
• Convey meaning through the presentation
• Perceive and analyze artistic work
• Interpret intent and meaning
• Apply criteria to evaluate work
• Make art by synthesizing and relating knowledge and personal experiences
• Deepen understanding by relating artistic ideas to societal, historical, and cultural contexts

Pediatrician Dr. Perri Klass outlined the benefits of art education in schools in the New York Times, noting improvements for overall motivation, thinking, and academic achievement . An arts-integrated curriculum that asks students to draw or sing as part of the learning process may enhance their ability to recall material such as scientific principles or vocabulary. Foregrounding creativity can be especially effective for students who struggle to retain information from traditional lectures and reading assignments alone.

Art does matter in the classroom, delivering a wide range of advantages for students. Educators can make the most of that potential by equipping themselves to offer creative practice as a central feature in the curriculum and show decisionmakers how these initiatives can achieve transformative results. The University of Florida’s online Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE) program helps teachers make a difference. This program features courses that prepare educators to work in a variety of learning environments , support students of all ages, incorporate digital tools into their pedagogy, and foster critical thinking.

About the Online Master’s in Art Education from the University of Florida

The University of Florida’s online Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE) program engages students purposefully in art education theory and practice, contemporary art, and their own studio work. Our dynamic online learning environment fosters meaningful interaction with peers and our world-class faculty as members of a supportive, close-knit community of art educators, artists, cultural workers, and scholars. This flexible program brings you the advanced concepts and immersive, hands-on experiences you need to flourish academically and creatively.

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Why Art Matters: Understanding the Importance of Art Education

• by Team Varthana
• Posted on January 6, 2023
• in Classroom Management

Although there’s a lot of information available on how important arts integration is in creating well-prepared learners and leaders, a lot of institutions consider arts education a luxury and skip it from their curriculum in order to focus on or complete the syllabus. 

However, there is also a visible trend of many other schools turning their focus onto overall student development, with art being an integrated part of the curriculum. Arts education helps students think outside the box and explore topics in an unfamiliar way. 

What is Art Education in School?

Students who receive an arts education have access to a creative outlet that can help them solve problems more effectively. It encompasses a variety of disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, photography, and digital media. They acquire the ability to think creatively and approach subjects in different ways while also fostering their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

What is the Aim of Art Education?

Art education plays a vital role in a student’s overall development. It goes beyond just learning artistic techniques to contribute to various aspects of personal and intellectual growth. Here’s how art education benefits students:

Stimulate Original Thought

Art education aims to spark original thinking in students. By engaging with different art forms, students learn to generate and explore new ideas, enhancing their ability to innovate and create.

Foster Analytical Skills

Art encourages students to assess their creations and those of others critically. This evaluation process helps them develop analytical skills that are useful in various problem-solving scenarios.

Facilitate Emotional Understanding

Art serves as a medium for students to explore and articulate their emotions. It helps them better understand and express their feelings, contributing to their overall emotional development.

Improve Manual Coordination

Participating in art activities improves students’ manual coordination. Tasks like painting or sculpting refine their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are valuable in everyday activities.

Expand Global Perspectives

Through art, students are introduced to different cultures and artistic traditions. This exposure helps them gain a broader view of the world and fosters a greater appreciation for diverse cultural expressions.

What are the Objectives of Art Education?

Art education serves several important purposes beyond simply creating visually appealing works. It plays a key role in the holistic development of students, offering a range of benefits that contribute to their overall growth. Here are the main objectives of art education:

Cultivate Imagination

Art education encourages students to explore their imagination and think creatively. By experimenting with various artistic techniques and media, students learn to envision and realize their ideas in innovative ways.

Enhance Critical Thinking

Art helps students develop their critical thinking skills by requiring them to analyze their work and make decisions about design and technique. This process fosters problem-solving abilities and thoughtful evaluation.

Improve Emotional Expression

Art provides a constructive outlet for students to express their emotions and feelings. This supports emotional development and helps students manage and communicate their emotions effectively.

Develop Fine Motor Skills

Engaging in artistic activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting enhances fine motor skills. These activities improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are important for various everyday tasks.

Encourage Cultural Awareness

Art education exposes students to different artistic styles and cultural traditions, helping them appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the historical and cultural context behind various art forms.

Support Academic Achievement

Art education can positively impact other academic areas by improving skills such as observation and attention to detail. Engaging in art can boost concentration and problem-solving abilities that benefit students across the curriculum.

What is the Importance of Art Education in Student Life?

Art plays a crucial role in education by enhancing students’ creativity and critical thinking. Here’s how:

Enhances Creativity

Art enhances creativity, which in turn fosters problem-solving skills. By participating in arts and learning activities, children develop confidence in their abilities and learn new things. Arts also promote risk-free exploration, and it is this freedom that inspires confidence. It allows children to see things from their viewpoint.

For instance, Students tasked with creating a mural for their school use their imagination to design a piece that represents their school environment or community. This project encourages them to think outside the box and develop original ideas. 

Improves Academic Performance

Students who study arts show improved language, reading, and math skills, as well as a greater ability for higher-order thinking skills such as analysis and problem-solving. Students also develop skills such as resilience, courage, and an improved mindset to help them learn professionally, perform well academically, and have a successful life after high school. 

Learning art is not only through creativity but also improves learning in fields such as mathematics and science and in the field of literature. Any skill that students learn through art education allows them to apply the same in academics, resulting in improved academic performance.

For example, when a student learns to play an instrument, they are not just developing their reading comprehension skills but also enhancing spatial-temporal skills, which are crucial for understanding complex mathematical concepts.

Self-Reliance

Students become self-reliant when they start depending on their own strengths, knowledge, skills, and resources rather than the strengths of others. Creating art can confirm one’s uniqueness while also providing a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Furthermore, arts education has been proven to support a sense of social identity, encourage goal-directed behavior, and increase social resilience.

For example, offering access to a variety of resources, such as art books, online tutorials, and materials, and encouraging students to pursue independent research projects. A student interested in digital art might explore different software programs and techniques on their own time.

Also Read : How teachers can use the best tools and resources available to create a modern classroom?

Educates Them about Teamwork

A unique approach to teaching teamwork and communication skills is the use of visual, and performing arts. The larger the creative team, the more valuable the art project is for open-minded people who are willing to learn, expand, integrate, and succeed. 

Collaboration creates a sense of comradeship and belonging to the community as young artists work towards a common goal. Researchers have found that students who worked collaboratively on an art project and engaged in a discussion were more thoughtful than those who worked alone.

For example, a theater production requires students to work together, from actors and directors to set designers and stagehands. This collaborative effort teaches them to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and appreciate teamwork.

Helps Them in Decision-Making

Art education is how children can be encouraged to choose their own subjects, colors, and interpretations of art. This allows children to make their own decisions in various areas of life. It will open up children’s imaginations and ensure that they have plenty of time to practice their decision-making skills. They may make mistakes, but they will learn to overcome them and move on from their failures. This will help the child develop the courage to make decisions without developing the fear of failure.

For example, during a painting project, students might be given the autonomy to select their materials and designs. They learn to make decisions about which materials best suit their vision and how to execute their ideas effectively.

Enhances Leadership Skills

When children are encouraged to make their own decisions, they begin to understand that they can update and interpret the world around them. These skills will make the child a leader rather than a follower. Arts education encourages higher-level thinking to explore academic subjects and life outside of school. No matter what profession or career the child chooses when they grow up, leadership qualities will ensure that they succeed in their chosen field. 

For instance, in a visual arts class, students analyze famous paintings, learn to observe details, question techniques, and interpret meanings. This practice sharpens their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.

Improves Motor Skills

Motor skills in the classroom give students the ability and skill to work independently. Drawing lines, picking up small objects, tearing paper, and holding a pencil are examples of their importance. This is especially true for young children, because art classes exercise and strengthen the small muscles in the child’s fingers, hands, and wrists, making it easier to learn to write.

For example, activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are essential for younger students as they develop physically.

Understanding the Crucial Role of Arts in Education 

Understanding the importance of art in education, the focus on creativity becomes vital to a comprehensive learning experience. Art offers students a distinct way to express themselves, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond its visual appeal, incorporating art into education enhances students’ communication abilities, stimulates innovation, and fosters a greater appreciation for different viewpoints. The inclusion of art not only adds depth to the academic journey but also develops skills necessary for navigating the complexities of the modern world, making education a dynamic and well-rounded journey. 

This table highlights the crucial role of arts in education and emphasizes why arts are a necessary and fundamental part of education, focusing on the broader educational goals and purposes.

Benefits of Art Education for Students

Involving students in diverse art forms goes beyond fostering creativity, but acts as a driving force for refining observation, interpretation, and evaluation skills, empowering students to approach challenges with a thoughtful and smart mindset. Art education aspires to develop students capable of navigating complexities, thinking independently, and making meaningful contributions to society. Let us understand what students gain from arts education. Here are the positive outcomes and benefits that result from engaging with the arts.

• Improved ability to brainstorm and come up with unique solutions in various contexts.
• Better grades and understanding in subjects like math and science due to improved cognitive abilities.
• Enhanced ability to analyze complex situations and develop creative solutions in everyday life.
• Increased confidence in presenting and defending their ideas in various settings.
• Better hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
• Reduced stress and better emotional management through creative expression.
• Improved teamwork and communication skills in group settings.
• Increased personal joy and fulfillment from participating in artistic activities.
• Greater cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity.
• Preparedness for careers in fields such as design, music, theater, and visual arts.

How does Art Education Help Students?

For school leaders aiming to enhance the educational experience, art education offers significant benefits that support overall student development.

Boosts Creative Problem-Solving

Art education encourages students to tackle challenges from diverse perspectives. By exploring different artistic techniques, students learn to innovate and solve problems creatively, which is valuable across all subjects.

Enhances Communication Skills

Art projects help students convey their ideas visually. This practice strengthens their ability to communicate clearly and effectively, improving their overall expression in both written and verbal forms.

Builds Confidence

Completing art assignments fosters a sense of achievement. This success boosts students’ self-confidence and motivates them to take on new academic and personal challenges.

Fosters Collaboration

Group art activities promote teamwork. Students learn to work together, share ideas, and respect differing viewpoints, enhancing their collaborative skills which are essential in any school environment.

Encourages Personal Reflection

Art provides a medium for students to reflect on their emotions and experiences. This reflection supports personal growth and helps students develop a clearer understanding of their own identities.

Supports Academic Growth

Participating in art can improve focus and attention to detail. These skills benefit students in other academic areas, as they apply the discipline and concentration gained through art education to their overall learning.

What is the Relationship between Art and Education?

Art and education are deeply interconnected, with art playing a significant role in enhancing various aspects of students’ development. By integrating art into the educational experience, students benefit in multiple ways that support their overall growth. The following table highlights key areas where art and education intersect:

Art is a vital component of education because it enriches students’ learning experiences in numerous ways. It encourages creativity, enhances critical thinking, and provides a valuable outlet for emotional expression. Additionally, art activities support the development of fine motor skills and foster cultural awareness. By integrating art into education, schools can offer a more comprehensive and engaging curriculum that supports students’ overall growth and prepares them for diverse future opportunities.

1. Why is art education important in the classroom?

By engaging with the arts, students enhance their cognitive abilities, improve academic performance, and develop fine motor skills. It is important in the classroom because it fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression, essential skills for holistic student development. It encourages students to explore diverse perspectives and histories and supports social and emotional learning by providing outlets for self-expression and collaboration. 

Art education is important because it encourages creativity, enhances critical thinking, and provides a healthy outlet for emotional expression. It helps students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them through various artistic mediums.

2. What are the benefits of integrating arts into the curriculum?

Integrating arts into the curriculum offers numerous benefits that enhance students’ overall educational experience. It encourages creativity and imagination, allowing students to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. Academic performance improves as it enhances cognitive abilities and supports learning in subjects like math, science, and literacy. It also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for navigating complex challenges. Social skills are strengthened through collaborative projects, while exposure to diverse artistic traditions promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity. 

3. How does arts education contribute to overall student development?

It enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through the analysis and creation of art, encouraging students to explore various perspectives and solutions. It fosters emotional intelligence by providing a safe space for self-expression and emotional exploration, promoting mental well-being. It cultivates cultural awareness and appreciation, broadening students’ understanding of diverse cultures and histories. Finally, arts education shapes well-rounded, creative, and empathetic individuals prepared for both academic and life challenges.

4. What role does creativity play in arts education?

Creativity plays a crucial role in arts education, serving as the driving force behind exploration, innovation, and expression. It encourages students to think imaginatively and approach problems with a vibrant perspective, fostering originality and inventive thinking. Through creative processes in various artistic disciplines such as visual arts, music, theater, and dance, students learn to experiment, take risks, and adapt to new ideas. This strengthens their problem-solving skills and adaptability in other areas of life. Creativity allows students to express their individuality and emotions, contributing to their personal and emotional growth.

5. What impact does arts education have on student engagement and motivation?

It captures students’ interest through hands-on, creative activities that connect with their personal experiences and passions. Engaging with the arts allows students to express themselves freely and see tangible results from their efforts, which boosts their confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Moreover, arts-integrated lessons often involve collaborative projects that foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, further motivating students to participate actively. It has a profound impact on student engagement and motivation by making learning more dynamic, interactive, and enjoyable.

6. How can children benefit from learning art?

Learning art helps children enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills. It also supports emotional expression and improves fine motor skills, contributing to their overall development. 

7. What are the five teaching strategies in teaching arts?

Five effective teaching strategies in art education include using visual aids, encouraging hands-on activities, integrating art with other subjects, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

8. What is the scope of art education?

The scope of art education includes teaching students various artistic techniques, styles, and cultural contexts. It encompasses activities like drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, aiming to develop students’ artistic skills and appreciation.

If you’re running a school and need to enhance teaching methods or introduce new technology, Varthana can assist. We process loans quickly, typically within 5 to 7 business days once we have all the necessary documents. We offer various collateral options and flexible repayment plans to meet your financial needs. Contact us today to see how Varthana can support your school’s progress!

9. What is the role of teachers in art education?

The role of a teacher in art education is to guide students through artistic techniques, inspire creativity, and provide constructive feedback. Teachers also create a supportive environment that encourages exploration and self-expression. If you’re a school leader looking to improve teaching methods and use modern technology, Varthana can help with your school’s development. We quickly process loans, usually within 5 to 7 business days after receiving all required documents. We also provide different collateral options and flexible payment plans to fit your financial needs. Reach out today to see how Varthana can support your school’s progress!

10. What is the nature of art education?

The nature of art education is experiential and exploratory, focusing on developing students’ artistic skills and creativity through practical activities. It emphasizes individual expression and understanding of various art forms and cultural perspectives.

11. What are the 7 fine arts?

The 7 fine arts are painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theater, and literature. These art forms are valued for their beauty and ability to convey deep emotions and ideas.

12. What are the 7 different forms of art styles?

The 7 different art styles include realism, impressionism, expressionism, abstract, surrealism, cubism, and pop art. Each style has its own unique approach to representing subjects and expressing emotions.

13. What are the 7 most common elements of art?

The 7 most common elements of art are line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. These elements are fundamental in creating and analyzing artworks, helping to understand how art is composed and interpreted.

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Why Arts Education Is Crucial, and Who’s Doing It Best

Art and music are key to student development.

"Art does not solve problems, but makes us aware of their existence," sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz has said. Arts education, on the other hand, does solve problems. Years of research show that it's closely linked to almost everything that we as a nation say we want for our children and demand from our schools: academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity.

Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. A 2005 report by the Rand Corporation about the visual arts argues that the intrinsic pleasures and stimulation of the art experience do more than sweeten an individual's life -- according to the report, they "can connect people more deeply to the world and open them to new ways of seeing," creating the foundation to forge social bonds and community cohesion. And strong arts programming in schools helps close a gap that has left many a child behind: From Mozart for babies to tutus for toddlers to family trips to the museum, the children of affluent, aspiring parents generally get exposed to the arts whether or not public schools provide them. Low-income children, often, do not. "Arts education enables those children from a financially challenged background to have a more level playing field with children who have had those enrichment experiences,'' says Eric Cooper, president and founder of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education .

It has become a mantra in education that No Child Left Behind, with its pressure to raise test scores, has reduced classroom time devoted to the arts (and science, social studies, and everything else besides reading and math). Evidence supports this contention -- we'll get to the statistics in a minute -- but the reality is more complex. Arts education has been slipping for more than three decades, the result of tight budgets, an ever-growing list of state mandates that have crammed the classroom curriculum, and a public sense that the arts are lovely but not essential.

This erosion chipped away at the constituencies that might have defended the arts in the era of NCLB -- children who had no music and art classes in the 1970s and 1980s may not appreciate their value now. "We have a whole generation of teachers and parents who have not had the advantage of arts in their own education,'' says Sandra Ruppert, director of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP), a national coalition of arts, business, education, philanthropic, and government organizations.

The Connection Between Arts Education and Academic Achievement

Yet against this backdrop, a new picture is emerging. Comprehensive, innovative arts initiatives are taking root in a growing number of school districts. Many of these models are based on new findings in brain research and cognitive development, and they embrace a variety of approaches: using the arts as a learning tool (for example, musical notes to teach fractions); incorporating arts into other core classes (writing and performing a play about, say, slavery); creating a school environment rich in arts and culture (Mozart in the hallways every day) and hands-on arts instruction. Although most of these initiatives are in the early stages, some are beginning to rack up impressive results. This trend may send a message to schools focused maniacally, and perhaps counterproductively, on reading and math.

"If they're worried about their test scores and want a way to get them higher, they need to give kids more arts, not less," says Tom Horne, Arizona's state superintendent of public instruction. "There's lots of evidence that kids immersed in the arts do better on their academic tests."

Education policies almost universally recognize the value of arts. Forty-seven states have arts-education mandates, forty-eight have arts-education standards, and forty have arts requirements for high school graduation, according to the 2007-08 AEP state policy database. The Goals 2000 Educate America Act , passed in 1994 to set the school-reform agenda of the Clinton and Bush administrations, declared art to be part of what all schools should teach. NCLB, enacted in 2001, included art as one of the ten core academic subjects of public education, a designation that qualified arts programs for an assortment of federal grants.

In a 2003 report, "The Complete Curriculum: Ensuring a Place for the Arts and Foreign Languages in American's Schools," a study group from the National Association of State Boards of Education noted that a substantial body of research highlights the benefits of arts in curriculum and called for stronger emphasis on the arts and foreign languages. As chairman of the Education Commission of the States from 2004 to 2006, Mike Huckabee, then governor of Arkansas, launched an initiative designed, according to commission literature, to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn about, enjoy, and participate directly in the arts.

Top-down mandates are one thing, of course, and implementation in the classroom is another. Whatever NCLB says about the arts, it measures achievement through math and language arts scores, not drawing proficiency or music skills. It's no surprise, then, that many districts have zeroed in on the tests. A 2006 national survey by the Center on Education Policy , an independent advocacy organization in Washington, DC, found that in the five years after enactment of NCLB, 44 percent of districts had increased instruction time in elementary school English language arts and math while decreasing time spent on other subjects. A follow-up analysis, released in February 2008, showed that 16 percent of districts had reduced elementary school class time for music and art -- and had done so by an average of 35 percent, or fifty-seven minutes a week.

Some states report even bleaker numbers. In California, for example, participation in music courses dropped 46 percent from 1999-2000 through 2000-04, while total school enrollment grew nearly 6 percent, according to a study by the Music for All Foundation . The number of music teachers, meanwhile, declined 26.7 percent. In 2001, the California Board of Education set standards at each grade level for what students should know and be able to do in music, visual arts, theater, and dance, but a statewide study in 2006, by SRI International , found that 89 percent of K-12 schools failed to offer a standards-based course of study in all four disciplines. Sixty-one percent of schools didn't even have a full-time arts specialist.

Nor does support for the arts by top administrators necessarily translate into instruction for kids. For example, a 2005 report in Illinois found almost no opposition to arts education among principals and district superintendents, yet there were large disparities in school offerings around the state.

Reviving Arts Education

In many districts, the arts have suffered so long that it will take years, and massive investment, to turn things around. New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has made arts education a priority in his school reform plans, and the city has launched sweeping initiatives to connect more students with the city's vast cultural resources. Nearly every school now offers at least some arts instruction and cultural programming, yet in 2007-08, only 45 percent of elementary schools and 33 percent of middle schools provided education in all four required art forms, according to an analysis by the New York City Department of Education , and only 34 percent of high schools offered students the opportunity to exceed the minimum graduation requirement.

Yet some districts have made great strides toward not only revitalizing the arts but also using them to reinvent schools. The work takes leadership, innovation, broad partnerships, and a dogged insistence that the arts are central to what we want students to learn.

In Dallas, for example, a coalition of arts advocates, philanthropists, educators, and business leaders have worked for years to get arts into all schools, and to get students out into the city's thriving arts community. Today, for the first time in thirty years, every elementary student in the Dallas Independent School District receives forty-five minutes a week of art and music instruction. In a February 2007 op-ed piece in the Dallas Morning News , Gigi Antoni, president and CEO of Big Thought , the nonprofit partnership working with the district, the Wallace Foundation , and more than sixty local arts and cultural institutions, explained the rationale behind what was then called the Dallas Arts Learning Initiative : "DALI was created on one unabashedly idealistic, yet meticulously researched, premise -- that students flourish when creativity drives learning."

The Minneapolis and Chicago communities, too, are forging partnerships with their vibrant arts and cultural resources to infuse the schools with rich comprehensive, sustainable programs -- not add-ons that come and go with this year's budget or administrator.

In Arizona, Tom Horne, the state superintendant of public instruction, made it his goal to provide high-quality, comprehensive arts education to all K-12 students. Horne, a classically trained pianist and founder of the Phoenix Baroque Ensemble, hasn't yet achieved his objective, but he has made progress: He pushed through higher standards for arts education, appointed an arts specialist in the state Department of Education, and steered $4 million in federal funds under NCLB to support arts integration in schools throughout the state. Some have restored art and music after a decade without them.

"When you think about the purposes of education, there are three," Horne says. "We're preparing kids for jobs. We're preparing them to be citizens. And we're teaching them to be human beings who can enjoy the deeper forms of beauty. The third is as important as the other two."

Fran Smith is a contributing editor for Edutopia .

More on Arts Education:

• Schools That Work Package: School Transformation Through Arts Integration
• Watch This Video: Sir Ken Robinson on the Power of an Imaginative Mind
• Blog: Use Music to Develop Kids’ Skills and Character

The importance of arts education for students

And how to get your subject noticed.

The creative arts fuel innovation and imagination, developing lifelong skills that help enable a student’s perception, understanding, productivity and wellbeing. Yet recent funding and accountability measures plus a global pandemic have made the arts subjects more vulnerable and at a risk of being even more overlooked in education as the focus moves to core subjects and catch up. 

Music, drama, art, design and dance bring together students of all backgrounds to find ways to express themselves, and gain greater understanding of who they are and where they belong in the world. The creative arts offer such a wealth of immeasurable benefits to your students, your community and your own personal job satisfaction that we want to show you how you can promote the arts in your school, get your subject noticed and make your mark. 

We have pulled together the very best practices we have seen in schools and colleges to provide you with fresh ideas and inspiration to raise awareness of your subject and gain greater recognition for your department. Read on to learn how you can further inspire your students, get your department on the radar and foster a lifelong love of the arts within your school and wider community.

• What are the benefits of arts education in schools?

National measures on which schools are judged tend to focus on English, Maths and sciences which can put the creative arts on the back burner. Schools are pressured into focusing more on the subjects they are judged against, yet it is widely recognised that young people benefit hugely from participating in arts subjects in terms of their confidence, leadership, working as part of a team and developing creativity.

Rather than a distraction, an arts education enriches and complements the core subjects, raising achievement rates across all subjects as well as improving wellbeing and enriching the school day. It offers a welcome break from the huge amount of desk-based learning the core subjects have to cover as well as providing a wealth of transferable skills, preparing them for further education and future career pathways.

On top of the obvious development of individual creativity and self-expression, the arts can increase young people’s confidence and motivation which in turn improves well-being and school attendance. Hands-on learning is enjoyable and engaging, helping students learn through experimentation and making mistakes. This learning extends across all subjects and time and again we see the aggregate benefits of cross curricular learning helping to improve academic outcomes.

An arts education benefits a student in so many ways, not least in boosting their academic performance in the arts subjects they love. There are also benefits of using arts and creativity as part of the wider curriculum which enhances the teaching of other subjects (such as history, English and PSHE). This then cascades across overall learning outcomes in core subjects. The Arts Council England conducted research on the value of arts and culture across schools in the US and found:

‘Schools that integrate arts across the curriculum…have shown consistently higher average reading and mathematics scores compared to similar schools that do not.’

The arts are also a vital part of a whole school ethos of cultural appreciation and diversity, equipping students with cultural knowledge and understanding that will enable them to make better sense of the world and their place within it.

Coming together for school trips to museums, galleries, theatres and historical sites forges ties with the community as well as within the school and enriches the enjoyment and learning journey of all involved. Connecting with arts and cultural organisations can offer students the chance to take part in placement opportunities or volunteering programmes that provide them with valuable life skills and may even open doors to future career opportunities.

In-school workshops or artist in residence schemes also enrich subject learning and inspire young people. Experts in subject areas that you are exploring can bring fresh thought provoking ideas to get your students even more enthusiastic. Students have the opportunity to connect with practicing artists offering them insights into this career path as well as the wider professional arts sector.

Ofsted recognises the necessity of a ‘broad, rich curriculum’, pledging the importance of delivering ‘real learning’, not just a results focused, test based education. Yet we have seen cuts in funding and the Cultural Learning Alliance has recorded a 38% decline in arts GCSE entries from 2010 to 2021.

Recent reports are starting to point to the hours of arts teaching and numbers of arts teachers are finally stabilising as the benefits of the arts not only in education but also to wellbeing is finally acknowledged. During an era when our students are becoming increasingly stressed, there is no better time to recognise the value of an arts education. Nicolas Serota, CH Chair of The Durham Commission on Creativity and Education summises:

‘At a time when the mental health of children and young people is of concern, there is ample evidence of the value and importance of creativity in supporting wellbeing. Young people can find strength, inspiration, consolation and community in their shared experience of creativity.’

Beyond test scores, we know that an arts education can produce significant positive outcomes both socially and academically. The United Kingdom is a culturally rich country brimming with creativity and cultural diversity with arts and culture contributing £10.6 billion to the UK economy.

Before the pandemic, creative industries employment was growing at twice the rate of the UK economy, and it has been projected that post pandemic, the creative sector could recover faster than the UK economy overall. Recognised internationally as a cultural hub, vibrant with a wealth of arts and culture, the arts industry in the UK still promises bright, fulfilling future career pathways for creative students.

The evidence is clear that Music, Art & Design, Drama and Dance bring tangible, valuable and long-lasting benefits. So what practical steps can you take to bolster the prominence of the arts at your school?

• How to motivate your students to create visual art and get your department noticed

Given all that we have experienced over the recent years with lessons being taught remotely online and many clubs cancelled, now more than ever is the time to make sure that visual art does not fall to the bottom of the school’s priorities list and get overlooked in the pressure to catch up on core subjects. 

The Tate explores why arts education is important in their article ‘Why Study Art’ and features students, artists and cultural figures speaking about the many benefits: 

‘School in general is so stressful…this is the one lesson I look forward to every week because I know it’s not going to majorly stress me out.’ Student, Three Rivers Academy, Surrey

You may feel that your setting has a fantastic visual arts provision but keeps getting overlooked. Or that the visual arts are less of a priority in your school than you would like and you feel your students’ achievements could be celebrated more. 

We have looked at some of the best ways to promote art through your students and get your department noticed.

Artist in residence

Fully funded opportunities for an artist in residence to join your school are an excellent way to help get your department noticed. Stimulating creativity and imagination with new approaches and ideas offered by the artist motivates students and the experience can open their eyes to potential careers in the arts. 

An artist in residence initiative can be set up so there are cross-curricular impacts. In this way, other subject leaders can see first hand the benefits that an artist and arts activity can have on their area of the school. This also extends the opportunities to promote your department by making a bigger ‘splash’ with a large, cross-departmental team. 

Appreciating arts, culture and heritage is close to the heart of every arts professional and what better way than organising trips and visits to extend understanding of the arts. Museums, heritage sites, exhibitions, galleries, theatre productions and trips to other arts events are valuable sources of inspiration. 

With some coordination and pre-planning, a single trip to a cultural venue can benefit a range of subjects - history, English and geography, for example - maximising the impact of the visit. Students can be tasked with critically reviewing their trip which can be used in school magazines and newsletters. It is a great way to develop arts vocabulary as well as learn to express likes and dislikes and explain why - and their review can be used towards an Arts Award . Students can also reproduce what they see which makes for eye-catching school displays. 

Of course it doesn’t need to be an actual ‘visit’ to be enriching and inspiring. Many galleries (and arts organisations such as Art UK ) have great digital resources that students can make use of and some museums have placed their entire catalogues online which provide rich resources for research. Whether the experience takes place ‘in real life’ or is virtual, the Arts Award Supporter map can help you to find places nearby that have a specific offer for young people. Sharing your students’ resulting reviews and artworks with a local venue can forge a strong link and may result in the work being promoted through the organisation’s own channels. 

One student’s personal view on the value of visual art learning in schools is included in The Tate’s report, Why Study Art :

‘[School is] all very robotic. It’s all very ‘it needs to be this, this and this’. You can’t do this because it is wrong. It’s all following a strict script. That’s not what we’re made to do. We’re made to be our own person, we’re made to go off and do something that someone else hasn’t done before.’ Student, Ark Helenswood, Hastings

The importance of displaying your students’ work

Walls in schools are never in short supply and displaying your students’ work throughout the school is great for their self-esteem and sense of ownership of the art work, as well as showcasing your department. It may seem counterintuitive with  less visitors allowed in school due to the pandemic but this means that getting your work seen in as many ways as possible is even more important than ever. 

Using your school as your canvas provides a great opportunity to get creative to show your students’ skills where they can be seen and appreciated by staff and other students. Your school courtyard or other outdoor space is often the place where students congregate and is usually an important part of the school’s culture - being in open air makes it a great spot to show off public works like sculptures and murals, the benches are canvases waiting to be painted. 

You could task your students with featuring their public works digitally for those who cannot visit the school to enjoy and it will be a talking feature for future open events. You can reach a wide audience by showcasing your students’ work on social media. Twitter and Instagram are both extremely popular and it’s easy to set up a school account on either site for your department. 

Getting students involved in compiling an e-magazine devoted to the arts has the potential to pull in a lot of interest and can extend to featuring competitions, and termly or annual exhibitions. You could elect a student body from the sixth form to manage and promote these activities allowing them to develop a host of event management skills - this leadership experience could count towards a qualification such as Silver or Gold Arts Award . 

Competitions and partnerships

Receiving accolades for competitive endeavours doesn’t need to be limited to the school’s sports teams. Competitions are a great way to get noticed nationally and within the school community. The Royal College of Art holds an annual exhibition of students’ work aged 8 - 18 years. Travel Photographer of the Year holds an annual competition with a category for Young Travel Photographer of the Year with age categories split into under 14s and 14-18. 

There may also be local or regional competitions or festivals students can get involved with. The Arts Council's Bridge organisation local to your school may be able to help supply information.

More widely, it’s worth checking whether your setting is part of one of Arts Council England’s Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEPs). These partnerships are a great place to share successes, make new alliances and get support. Associated with the LCEP there may also be a local creative schools network or something similar, aimed at inspiring teachers and collaborating across schools. These networks can prove fruitful in raising your profile and making new connections: A new partnership with another school or arts organisation is something your senior team are sure to be keen to hear about.

• Fun ways to improve drama student engagement

Drama is well recognised for the transferable skills and employability skills it brings young people. Teamwork, confidence, critical thinking and listening, to name a few, are qualities vital to succeed in any aspect of life, and even the shyest of students can flourish in the creative open space of a drama department. With that in mind, it’s important that you promote the benefits of your subject for students and the positive impact that engaging with drama activities can have on the wider school community. We have come up with the most effective ways to grow your department and get it noticed. 

Putting on a show

Nothing brings a school more to life than a whole school production. Students who have the opportunity to take part find it deeply enriching and a chance to make new friendships and develop their confidence. School productions can be very inclusive with so many opportunities to get involved, with the benefit for drama teachers of being able to share out some of the heavy workload associated with putting on a show. Students learn and experience how to put on a drama production not just through acting, but through design, directing, writing, promotion and the host of disciplines connected with theatre. 

Parents and the local community enjoy seeing the vibrant heart of their school and the school production is talked about long after the last curtain. You can jump on the back of this attention and invite the local press to cover your production. You could also ask a photography student to take photographs which you can share in an online gallery alongside critical reviews written by your students.

Drama’s link to school development

Anything a department can do to support the school’s key strategic goals is sure to be noticed by senior management and will help to raise the profile of you and your department.

Drama can support whole school aims by working with the careers function in school to support the delivery of the recently published Government’s career strategy . The drama department can organise and run activities that build students’ communication skills which are essential for entry into further education and success in future careers. For example, students could act out typical interview scenarios or the drama team could offer an extra-curricular club aimed at developing students’ communication skills. 

Linking with other subjects such as English also connects drama to core learning and can be used to develop communication skills including confident public speaking. Drama can improve voice projection, articulation and persuasive speech as well as listening and observational skills. These can be further developed by playing drama games based around fictitious work scenarios to give students an idea of how to react and express themselves when placed in the real world.

Drama is such a versatile art form which can be used to enhance many other areas of teaching and wider school development. By taking a look through your setting’s School Improvement/Development plans, you are likely to come across a number of wider strategic aims that drama can support. These might range from improving boys’ literacy, to increasing engagement with parents, or from maximising student leadership and voice, to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion across the school. Greater use of drama as a tool for wider development will gain your subject more exposure and support from leadership.

Offering graded exams

Offering drama graded exams or other assessments that cover the performing arts such as Arts Award enhances the credibility of the drama department with students and parents as students can gain qualifications and even UCAS points. Your senior leadership team will be keen to see measurable outcomes coming from your department as this can support reports for the governors and Ofsted. 

Choosing assessments that are inclusive is important to encourage wide-spread participation and support achievement. For instance, less confident students can be put forward for exams if the board you choose offers pairs and group exams . 

Chris, Head of Drama at a school in London highlights the benefits of running graded drama assessments for groups:

‘[Drama] students are encouraged to work together in order to achieve their joint goals. A lot of subjects don’t require students to do this or get a grade based on their combined actions within a unit: graded drama exams require collaboration, good listening, and compromise – really adult skills, which should be celebrated.’

Theatre trips bring so much joy and inspiration and it is always fascinating to go backstage and learn about all the employment and volunteer opportunities the theatre has on offer. Seeing a live play can help develop emotional intelligence as students learn the ability to appreciate how others think and feel. Going to the theatre also offers students the chance to see beyond their own perspective, as Adam, an actor and drama teacher, explains:

‘For a lot of children, their first introduction to Shakespeare is sitting in an English classroom reading it – that’s not how Shakespeare is meant to be accessed. No wonder so many people, even into adulthood, hate Shakespeare. What teenager wants to sit down and read this text from a book? I didn’t understand verse when I was 14. But taking a group to see a production of ‘Othello’ and watch it live was amazing. All of a sudden things made sense to them.’

While the excitement of a trip to the theatre will promote your department by itself, you can use the buzz this creates to really get your subject noticed. There are also possibilities for stimulating professional theatre experiences without leaving your school building or town offered by the many live-streamed performances put on by national venues. 

Whether the experience takes place in a traditional theatre, pop-up venue or your local cinema, students could write critical reviews for the school magazine, re-enact highlights of the play in an assembly or even write and direct their own mini plays based on inspiration from the theatre trip. 

Actors or travelling theatre companies can be invited into school to deliver workshops to inspire your students. There is the potential to extend the experience by arranging a ‘question and answer’ session where students interview the cast and production team. This can contribute to your school’s wider career education strategy, a qualification like Arts Award or similar outcomes.

This can be showcased on your department’s social media feed as well as the school’s main feed; make sure you tag the theatre company so they can see your post and they may share it with their followers. You could invite the local paper to cover the workshop and feature the students enjoying and learning at the same time. Don’t forget to share any coverage you receive with your senior team and governors.

Past students

Keeping in touch with past students is a great opportunity to showcase possible career pathways to your current students. Do you have any past students who studied drama and went on to study or work in a related subject? Drama brings with it a wealth of transferable skills and a variety of career pathways available for those with a passion for the theatre arts, from front of house to marketing. 

By demonstrating the range of career options available, you may have an impact on students choosing to continue to drama past Key Stage 3. And your senior leadership team will be keen to see positive proof that theatre is a viable career option and that the skills developed by studying drama are highly desirable for a wide range of future studies and career... 

Voice magazine is also a great source of information for aspiring young creatives who can gain inspiration from initiatives, artworks and stories shared by peers. Articles such as ‘Drama is a useless degree’…How wrong you are! demonstrate the transferable skills your subject brings

Festivals and competitions

Drama competitions and festivals are an enjoyable experience for all involved and boost your presence and appeal with students and parents. There are several national drama competitions on offer. Here are some options as a starting point that may be suitable for your school: The National Student Drama Festival offers workshops, debates, masterclasses and opportunities to perform for 16-24 year olds. And there is the Shakespeare Schools festival which is the world's largest youth drama festival bringing Shakespeare to life in schools across the country with opportunities to participate and perform. 

You may also want to consider the National Theatre’s Connections programme, a nationwide youth theatre festival which provides students with the unique opportunity to access new works written by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights and then to stage performances in theatres nationwide. Many towns and cities have arts festivals which are an excellent way to link with the wider community and promote your subject through your students. 

• Inspiring design and technology projects the whole school can enjoy

The role of Design & Technology in schools can sometimes be overlooked, but by demonstrating the value of Design & Technology to students and parents you help boost your department’s profile.

Design & Technology hosts a wealth of career possibilities in industry growth sectors and opens doors to jobs that didn’t exist until recently and don’t even exist yet.  Young people with an aptitude for maths or science can often thrive with Design and Technology just as much as those with a flair for the arts, and many love the fun of hands-on learning and seeing their ideas become reality. D&T is a popular choice for students across the board and your department can gain profile-raising ‘quick wins’ by connecting with the visual arts and Maths within school.  

Tying into cross curricular initiatives helps raise your department's profile and what better than linking science and technology subjects, including physics, maths, chemistry and IT. When it comes to the sciences, having knowledge of how physical and chemical processes work can come in handy when designing different products. Linking with the arts reinforces the planning, design and practicalities D&T brings to the creative subjects.

'D&T prepares its students to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. Students learn to think creatively and solve problems as individuals and as part of a team.’ Jim Smith, Deputy Head Teacher, Meden School  

Engaging in design competitions such as those offered by Neon such as the Big Bang Competition or I’m an engineer, get me out of here! gives students the chance to sink their teeth into real-world, authentic projects as well as demonstrating how broad a design career could be. You need the technical skills to make designs a reality, but these would be nothing without the creative vision and artistic visualisation which sit alongside. And by entering competitions such as these you have an exciting talking point for staff meetings, assemblies and school newsletters as well as social media.

Another great way to raise the profile of design in schools is to engage with topics that spark excitement with your students. Cross-curricular learning can promote the importance of STEAM and how each subject can enhance the learning experience of each other and open up unimagined career pathways. Production and character design is a huge part of the film, TV and theatre industries, and many young people don’t realise that those incredible creatures and sets from productions like Harry Potter, The Mandalorian  and even Riverdale were first imagined by a design artist. You could arrange a school trip to a film set or Design Museum and then have students plan and make concepts for school productions or packaging for the school canteen.. 

‘Design and Technology should be as riveting and relevant as the career it channels into. Logical, creative and practical, it’s the only opportunity that school students have to apply what they learn in maths and science – directly preparing them for a future in engineering.’ James Dyson, Inventor

Thinking more widely, crafts offer a great opportunity to engage students who enjoy the practicality of Design & Technology and also the aesthetics of visual arts. One of the most accessible crafts for schools is textiles as it doesn’t require any specialist equipment. We have seen craft has staged a comeback over recent years and there are many opportunities for textile specialists to make their mark. Yarn bombing around the school, for instance, is a great conversation piece and can be shared virtually, as can tying textiles into other subjects such as geography for ethical fashion or exploring e-textiles in ICT. 

Budding fashion designers may be interested in platforms such as Awaytomars that welcomes students to collaborate in an online fashion design platform crowdfunded to produce the best fashion designs selected by the community. Textile students can also get involved in school productions with set and costume designs or even a proposed school uniform design can boost the subject’s presence.

• How to boost the profile of music across the school

Music is traditionally a well respected subject, yet music education is struggling in some settings. Recent reports show that the take up of Music GCSE and A-level is declining and fewer young people are studying music outside of school. Veronica Wadley, chair of the new expert advisory panel for the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) recognised the value of a music education saying:

‘It is so important that every child and young person, from whatever background and area, has the opportunity to benefit from learning to sing and play a musical instrument, improving not only concentration, self-confidence and academic attainment but also raising expectations of what they can achieve in all areas of their lives.’

However, for many young people, their only formal education in music will be through school– and with music being such a powerful tool for students this is a real issue.

Creating bands, orchestras, choirs and other performance groups is a great way to engage lots of students, and the combined voice of so much music-making will raise the profile of your department without trying. Can students do live music for a school production or assembly? Is there the opportunity for a music concert or prom? Can students have access to the music room at lunchtimes or after school to develop their own music which might not fit into the curriculum?

Encouraging students to enter for assessments, exams and music competitions will not only give them an endpoint to work towards, but will give them professional feedback and something to enrich their CV.

The music world offers plenty of opportunities for students to get competitive. For example, the National Concert Band Festival is the UK’s largest wind band and big band festival where students can perform in front of an audience, with adjudicators offering feedback based on the NCBF award criteria resulting in a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate. There is also Young Songwriter Competition is a worldwide competition for young people aged 8-18 whereby students can have their songs heard by a star-studded panel of judges, as well as connect with like-minded peers. Another option is Denbighshire Urdd Eisteddfod 2022, one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals with over 15,000 young people under the age of 25 competing in various artforms.

Connecting with your local Music Education Hub is a valuable way to forge links with the musical community and access music education services for children aged 5-18. Music hubs bring together music services, local authorities, schools, art and community organisations to make sure all pupils have access to a music education. Both Ofsted and Arts Council England advocate for schools to build stronger relationships with their local music hub and by doing this you will connect the work of your department with the Government's National Plan for Music Education.

Music technology is a great feature of the curriculum which can ensure that your subject has more profile and is recognised for the huge benefits it can bring. It is often a way to engage students who never considered music as a subject they can access, so when you’re next reviewing your music enrichment options, why not consider adding music technology to your range of clubs? Students with an interest in music technology may be well placed to offer support to school productions, acting as a useful point of contact with the drama department.

Composing music for video games is another instant hit with students. Along the lines of creating music for a film, students can compose music for different video games matching mood and style. They could work in groups to plan a short story or action sequence that they can tell with sound effects alone. Other students then have to guess the story.

Rap music is another possible popular genre that could be used to engage students. For younger classes, rapping a name is a fun warm-up. Students could also write a rap about themselves based on a structure and then record a rhythmic backing to go with the rap. They can then record their rap and the backing, and experiment with various post-production effects.

For those schools choosing to embrace the Model Music Curriculum as a framework to support their lessons and planning, between Key Stages 1 and 3 there are recommendations for a wide range of musical activity. This includes singing and listening, music technology, creating graphic scores, musical improvisation, whole class and small group ensemble learning and also dance. You could introduce a qualification such as Arts Award to accredit non-traditional music activities and those for which music grades aren’t currently available. You could even add topics such as music industry marketing for older students.

• Motivating your students to dance

The late Sir Ken Robinson believed that dance is just as important as maths in school arguing for ‘...equity in educating the whole child’ and the ‘equal importance of dance with the other arts, languages, mathematics, sciences and the humanities in the general education of every child.’ Dance is, of course, an art form in its own right that should be celebrated not only for its inherent beauty and creativity but also for the benefits to fitness, coordination, flexibility and wellbeing this discipline brings. However joining forces with the PE department is an efficient way to piggy-back on the promotion and existing recognition sports often have in schools, while partnering with English and Drama for school productions and trips is another way to promote this subject.

Linking with national initiatives and programmes is an effective way to shine a light on your subject and demonstrate its value. The Royal School of Ballet partners with schools in its commitment to the belief that every child and young person is entitled to dance as part of a wider cultural education and their outreach programme is designed to introduce the art form of classical ballet to young people in a creative and dynamic way.

Outside of school, if you have talented dancers, why not signpost them to CATs schools , the Royal Opera House Create and Dance free programme or suggest that they audition for the National Youth Dance Company ? Taking part in activities like these will increase their skills, but also raise the profile of the subject within school as they could be profiled in an assembly, school newsletter and social media.

Young people love to dance and perform and their exposure to social media and music videos has made the latest dance moves common currency with many students. What better way to motivate your students than integrating up-to-date forms of dance into your practice. This could be in the form of the latest crazes on TikTok or even ballroom on Strictly, or through a study of the cultural heritage of dance introducing such practices as Bollywood or K-pop.

While dance remains a subject at risk in many schools there are ways to advocate and retain it as the valuable and wide-reaching subject it is.

• Harnessing cross-curricular connections

Cross-curricular is a creative way to deepen students’ skills, understanding and learning and can be a very motivating and stimulating method of working. Exploring topics through interconnected subjects stretches the imagination and can make for memorable learning. 

Companies and charities offer fun ways to combine skill-sets via such activities as The Big Knit , Sony World Photography Awards and The Young Enterprise Scheme . You could, for example,  task your older students with setting up cross curricular challenges based around a theme for The Big Knit or a photography competition or even making items for charitable causes . This can be divided into age categories for the younger years and can be shared in school assemblies, social media accounts and newsletters. Your older students may even want to set up a school club where all ages can meet to work on entries to the competition and share skills while having fun. 

Linking with other arts departments within the school is a great way to share ideas, get support and jointly advocate for the value of the arts in your school. You will all have your own areas of expertise, and by working together can generate great ideas for eye catching work and rewarding learning. Are there skills you can share with each other, or have certain approaches worked for you in the past you can share?

Using your combined skill and enthusiasm can attract a lot of attention in your school. Whether this is leading a reading week, a cross-genre arts week, school productions, careers events or end of year celebration activities, working together will help to keep your own workload manageable, and role-model team work for your students.

You could work with your colleagues in the English department for a week focussing on the power of language. You could work across year groups with the older students inspiring the younger ones:

• In English, students could create pieces of creative writing
• During Drama, students could bring this creative writing to life
• The Art department could design the sets 
• Design can help with props
• Textiles can work on costumes, 
• Dance can help with movement and choreography
• Music can develop the soundscape or score

At the end of the week there could be a showcase assembly to celebrate the hard work which can also be shared with parents. The work could also be displayed during open events.

STEM subjects can also be involved with students learning about how to create circuits for the lights used. Maths is involved in the design and scaling of model boxes, and you could even link this to the History department by introducing themes studied in history as inspiration for the texts created in English. You may be surprised at the range of national programmes that have an arts angle, and some may already be enjoying a high level of prominence within your school. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, for example, has included creating a work of art or music on The Experience List , a list of activities every young person should try and do to build their confidence, resilience and independence.  

• How students can help raise the profile of arts education in schools

Students who enjoy your subject and teaching are the most powerful advocates for your department. If the opportunity is given, they will passionately speak about the changes your arts education has made to their school experience and life. Sienna James who achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Awards explains in an article for Voice magazine how students’ voices can help teachers to raise the profile of the arts in schools.

Enabling your advocates to share their experience is a highly effective way to promote your presence whether at assembly, school open day, as part of a showcase event or performance, even at a staff or governors meeting. They can highlight particular differences your subject has made to their life, to their achievements in other subjects and to their further education or future career choices.

Sharing arts enrichment activities of Key Stage 5 students is a superb way to inspire younger students and cascade awareness and excitement for your subject throughout the school. The exhibitions, performances, artforms and portfolios order students produce are outstanding in their own right and promoting their work will promote you. Beckie Voller, Ignite Leader for Arts at St Bede’s and St Joseph's Catholic College explains how this works in the case of her Gold Arts Award  students:

‘Gold Arts Award increases the profile of your department and makes it more visible. It’s lovely to see the older students work with the younger students, showing them what they have done for their Gold. You see the younger ones looking at the older students' work and thinking ‘I want to do that'.’

You could encourage your older students to form a Student Arts Council made up of keen representatives drawn from across the school. What is better than a group of enthusiastic arts appreciators gathered together to create great visual art and promote their work and your department across the school and wider community. They can inspire fellow students, deliver whole school art projects, get involved with decision-making within the department, run assemblies and be your very best advocates.

You could also encourage them to organise a whole school Arts Week to showcase work and talent by bringing together budding artists, musicians, actors, singers for an inspirational week’s celebration of the arts (and your department) in school.

The benefits of accrediting the arts

Arts-based accreditations, including assessments, qualifications and awards, can provide structure and cohesion for efforts to bolster the profile of the arts in school, as well as the motivation of a goal to aim for. 

Benefits to arts departments

Whether you’re seeking to accredit arts provision across the whole school or recognition of individual students’ achievements, qualifications and awards provide tangible, measurable results which are likely to be particularly influential with senior leadership teams, especially if the outcomes can be linked to wider school priorities and support your School Improvement Plan. 

Benefits to young people 

Supporting students to work towards assessments in creative subjects alongside their core studies is common practice in schools. It’s a way of motivating and engaging learners, and the arts can provide a safe space to share interests with like-minded individuals and build connections.  Students also gain a variety of transferrable skills that will benefit them greatly in the future. When it comes to preparing young people for the next step in their education or employment journey, arts-based assessments and awards can offer students experiences and qualifications that will aid the transition.  Awards and qualifications can additionally offer access to opportunities and experiences that students may not otherwise have access to, raising aspirations and supporting cultural capital.

There are many options open to schools looking to accredit their arts provision or particular aspects of their arts offer. Graded music or drama exams are frequently run within schools, or schools may aspire to the quality standard set by Artsmark . Arts Award is another option for schools looking for flexibility and ways to link their arts teaching with the schools’ careers strategy and wellbeing agenda.

How Arts Award can benefit your school  Arts Award is a range of unique qualifications that supports anyone aged up to 25 to grow as artists and arts leaders, inspiring them to connect with and take part in the wider arts world through taking challenges in an art form - from fashion to digital art, drama to dance.

'In our school, we offer a broad arts curriculum and we felt that a lot of our students were already participating in lots of additional things, so Arts Award would be a really good way to recognise their achievements. It gave them a structured programme in which they could be working on areas that they love.' Director of Learning (Visual Arts)/Arts Coordinator, Sandringham School

How does it work?

Through progressing through the Arts Award levels, young people get to:

• discover the enjoyment of creating and participating in arts activities
• experience arts events
• develop creative and communication skills that are essential for success in 21st century life
• explore the work of artists and craftspeople and gain insights into the professional arts world
• gain experience and knowledge to help progress into further education and employment

There are no entry requirements, no time limit for completing the award, and no set rules on how to present final work.

Arts Award’s flexible framework means it can fit around a wide range of arts, cultural and heritage activities and projects, including creative and technical roles. It can be delivered in many ways and in a wide range of settings. You can map it to your existing activity or use it to kick-start something new. Arts Award delivery happens in curriculum or extra-curricular programmes and enrichment options, museum or heritage projects, weekly clubs or groups, and partnership projects.

'Whatever your curriculum or extra-curricular programme, Arts Award can map to what you are already doing. Accredit your KS3 activity and provide opportunities for older students to develop their leadership skills and gain additional UCAS points through the flexible Arts Award format.' Rachel Shann, Assistant Head and Arts Award adviser, Kingsmead School

• Benefits of accrediting the arts

• Accessibility
• © 2024 Trinity College London

10 Reasons Art Is More Important Than Common Plan Time

One complaint you will often hear from art teachers is how they do not feel as respected or valued as other staff members in the building.

In the study, “ Why Do Good Art Teachers Find it Hard to Stay in the Public School System ,” Nurit Cohen-Evron states isolation and constant defense of their craft are major challenges causing art teachers to leave public education. Other factors include the lack of job-specific professional development and lack of support.

Echoing this sentiment, forty-three percent of teachers who participated in the  2018 State of Art Education Survey said a lack of respect for the art program is one of the biggest hurdles they face in the art program.

This response comes as no surprise.

You’ve probably heard comments you feel undermine your work.

“I wish I could be the art teacher!”

“You have the best job!”

“Teaching art just seems so FUN!”

While many of us would agree we do have the best job in the world, it is still a lot of work. From assessing and differentiating for hundreds of students to writing curriculum and organizing supplies, it’s no cake walk.

On top of this, art class is often looked at through the lens of plan time.

Have you ever had a teacher drop off a class early or pick them up late because they “really needed their plan time?” Or, have you had an administrator switch your schedule to maximize common plan time for others?

Despite these challenges, being an art teacher is an important job. One amazing thing about the position we’re in is that we can make a large impact on our students and school community.

Here are 10 reasons art is more important than common plan time.

1. Art keeps kids in school.

I have come across many studies demonstrating a correlation between student attendance and schools with art programs. In the article, “ School Art Programs: Should They Be Saved?, ” Valeriya Metla shares, “Schools with long-standing art programs have higher graduation rates. In many instances, art classes motivate students to stay in school, especially low-achieving students, by fostering closer ties with peers and creating community-oriented environments.”

2. Art prepares students for the future.

Art provides several of the skills top employers need. In the article, “ Google finds STEM Skills aren’t the most important skills ,” Lou Glazer shares research conducted by Google. “The seven top characteristics of success at Google are all soft skills: being a good coach; communicating and listening well; possessing insights into others (including others different values and points of view); having empathy toward and being supportive of one’s colleagues; being a good critical thinker and problem solver; and being able to make connections across complex ideas.” These are all skills that can be developed in art class and are transferable across many fields.

3. Art impacts the “whole child.”

While art benefits students academically, it also helps with the social-emotional side of students. Art can be a therapeutic practice that calms students. In “ Benefits of Art Education Experiences ,” Janet Rubin and John Ceschini state, “The arts engage students in ways that other subjects may not, providing ways into learning that compliment learning styles and encourage creative risk-taking.”

4. Art builds leadership.

The art room is a place where students build transferable skills that will help them in and out of school. Communication, collaboration, and responsibility are just a few of those skills. My past article, “ How Art Teachers are Helping Build the Next Generation of Leaders ” has a printable listing more skills. You could share it in the hallways or school newsletters with your school community.

5. Art builds cultural awareness and empathy.

Students begin to understand the world around them on a different level when they go to art. The rich art history as well as emergent events that take place allow for a solid foundation of learning about other cultures. Art in Action reported, “By learning about other people, children are able to develop their ability for empathy, essential in working with people from all walks of life, and realize that we have more in common than not.”

6. Art promotes innovation.

Innovation is tied to creativity which is a key ingredient in the art room. As students create, they explore and innovate. Activist and artist, Mary Lou Cook said, “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” I would say that perfectly describes a day in an art class.

7. Art allows for self-expression.

Creating is a beautiful form of putting your mind on paper. Art gives students an opportunity to express themselves and share what is on their mind. This is one of my favorite benefits of art education!

8. Art impacts the entire school culture.

Imagine a school without art displays or opportunities to come together through art. Art teachers foster art appreciation and bring the community together. This can be done through art shows, hallway displays, and other events. The National Art Education Association believes a high-quality art program and visual art educators help to build positive school culture and climate.

9. Art is Fun

Art is fun. It is a place to play, grow, and be happy. Art for art’s sake is just as important as any reports of how art helps with academics. In the article, “ When is Creativity? Intrinsic Motivation and Autonomy in Children’s Artmaking ,” Diane Jaquith states, “Play is associated with both problem finding and solving: opportunities for play lead to divergent thinking and flexibility (Pitri, 2001; Runco, 2007; Zimmerman, 2009).” Play is an asset to exploration in the art room.

10. Art can help close the educational gap.

The 2011 President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities report, “ Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future through Creative Schools ,” shares that art education strategies help in closing the achievement gap and lower dropout rates. Art is also an area that benefits at-risk students as many feel successful in these classes and gain a connection to their school community as stated in, “ Education Reform Must include the Arts ” by Marion Herbert.

While some may have a fixed mindset, we can still do our part to show others the importance of art and our role as art educators. A big key is to build relationships with your peers and be sure to advocate for yourself. Advocate by showing student reflections, placing standards by art displays, and adding write-ups near projects in the hall. Art is worth speaking up for!

What is the craziest thing you have heard about being an art teacher?

What do you do to advocate for your career?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Wynita Harmon

Wynita Harmon is AOEU’s Chair of Faculty Development and a former AOEU Writer and elementary school art educator.

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Talking Point

Why study art?

Find out why art education is important from artists, young people and major cultural figures

Art in schools shouldn’t be sidelined… it should be right there right up in the front because I think art teaches you to deal with the world around you. It is the oxygen that makes all the other subjects breathe Alan Parker, filmmaker

Arts education is in crisis. In the UK, school time and budgets are under pressure and school inspections increasingly value ‘core’ subjects as the indicators of school level and success. Subjects including art, music and drama are often sidelined in the curriculum. This has led to a steady decline in the number of students choosing to study arts subjects at school.

In 2018 a landmark research project commissioned by Arts Council England, and undertaken by the University of Nottingham, called Tracking Learning and Engagement in the Arts (TALE) outlined the overwhelmingly positive benefits of arts and cultural education for young people. The research drew from the experience and voices of thousands of young people and their teachers in secondary and special schools.

We have pulled together some of these voices and findings from TALE and other research, as well as helpful resources on studying art.

Whether you’re choosing art as a GCSE; would like to study art or design at university; or are a parent or teacher interested in arts education: explore, join in and have your say!

Why is it important to study art?

School in general is so stressful… this is the one lesson I look forward to every week because I know it’s not going to majorly stress me out. Student, Three Rivers Academy, Surrey

[School is] all very robotic. It’s all very, it needs to be this, this and this. You can’t do this because it is wrong. It’s all following a strict script. That’s not what we’re made to do. We’re made to be our own person, we’re made to go off and do something that someone else hasn’t done before. Student, Ark Helenswood, Hastings

Creativity is critical thinking and without it how are you going to open up and ask harder questions? Art opens up those… possibilities to think beyond what we already know. Catherine Opie, artist

Learning through and about the arts enriches the experience of studying while at school as well as preparing students for life after school.

• Arts subjects encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity.
• Creativity can also help with wellbeing and improving health and happiness – many students in the TALE study commented that arts lessons acted as an outlet for releasing the pressures of studying as well as those of everyday life.
• Studying arts subjects also help to develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around us.

What are art lessons like? What do you learn?

You feel free because it’s just you sitting down, doing your work. No one is there to tell you what to do. It is just you, sitting there and expressing yourself, and sometimes we listen to music, which is helpful because you get new ideas. Student, Archbishop Tenison School, south London

Art is a non pre-prescribed dangerous world full of possibilities. Cate Blanchett, actor

The art room is a very different space to other spaces in the school. On her visit to Archbishop Tenison School in London TALE researcher Lexi Earl describes the bustle of the art classroom:

‘There are piles of sketchbooks, jars with pencils, paintbrushes, sinks splattered with paint. There are large art books for students to reference. Often there is a kiln, sometimes a dark room too. There are trays for drying work on, or work is pegged up over the sink, like clothing on a washing line.’

• The art room is a space where students have the freedom to express their ideas and thoughts and work creatively.
• The way art is taught means that interaction with other students and with the teacher is different in art and design classes. Students comment on the bonds they form with classmates because of their shared interests and ideas. The art teacher is someone they can bounce ideas off rather than telling them what to do.
• Studying art and design provides the opportunity to acquire new skills. As well as knowledge of different art forms, media and techniques you can also gain specialist skills in areas such as photography and digital technologies.

Tate champions art in schools

ASSEMBLY at Tate Modern © Tate

Every year Tate Modern hosts ASSEMBLY, a special event for around 1500 London school students and their teachers. The students are invited to occupy, explore and take part in activities in Tate’s Blavatnik building and Turbine hall – which are closed to all other visitors.

This annual event, first staged in 2016 which invited schools from all over the UK, reflects Tate’s mission to champion the arts as part of every child’s education. The project aims to highlight not only the importance of visual culture in young people's lives, but the importance of those young people as future producers of culture.

Research at Tate

Tracking Arts Learning and Engagement (TALE) was a collaborative research project involving Tate, The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the University of Nottingham. The research focused on thirty secondary schools spread across England and included three special schools.

Over three-years (2015 – 2018) the research investigated four main questions:

• What do teachers learn from deep engagement with cultural organisations?
• How do teachers translate this learning into the classroom?
• What do pupils gain from these learning experiences?
• What do the two different models of teacher professional development at Tate and RSC offer and achieve?

See the findings of the project and explore fascinating insights through the project blogs that feature the voices of students and teachers interviewed during the research.

I don’t want to be an artist – why bother studying art?

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to study history or geography or science, you still need to be creative because the people who are the outliers in those fields are the most creative people. To have art eroded in schools is disastrous… Cornelia Parker, artist

Those skills go with you for the rest of your life as well. If you go for an interview, if they can see that you’re confident it is better for them because they know that they can ask questions that need to be asked. Student, Ark Helenwood, Hastings

Art may not be your favourite subject, but studying the arts alongside other subjects significantly boosts student achievement. Schools that integrate arts into their curriculum show improved student performance in Maths, English, critical thinking and verbal skills.

Arts education can also help with developing skills and ways of working that will benefit you in the future in whatever career you choose.

• The leading people in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively. These are skills that employers value alongside qualifications. Making and participating in the arts aids the development of these skills
• When you study art you learn to work both independently and collaboratively, you also gain experience in time management – skillsets valued by employers
• Studying the arts teaches determination and resilience – qualities useful to any career. It teaches us that it is okay to fail, to not get things totally right the first time and to have the courage to start again. As a drama student at King Ethelbert’s School, Kent commented: ‘Like with every yes, there is like 10 nos… It has taught me that if I work on it, I will get there eventually. It is determination and commitment. It has definitely helped’

Is art good for society and communities generally?

You don’t have innovation if you don’t have arts. It’s as simple as that Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO of Stemettes which encourages girls to pursue careers in science and technology

It was really when I was at art school that I started to see the relationship between history, philosophy, politics and art. Prior to that I thought that art was just making pretty pictures – actually art is connected to life. Yinka Shonibare, artist

Art and cultural production is at the centre of what makes a society what it is Wolfgang Tillmans, artist

Arts and cultural learning is more important than ever for the health of our communities and our society

Creativity is essential in a global economy that needs a workforce that is knowledgeable, imaginative and innovative. Studying arts subjects also increases social mobility – encouraging and motivating students from low-income families to go into higher education. Studying the arts can also help with understanding, interpreting and negotiating the complexities and diversity of society

• Students from low-income families who take part in arts activities at school are three times more likely to take a degree
• By making art a part of the national curriculum, we give the next generation of artists, designers, engineers, creators and cultural leaders the opportunity to develop the imagination and skills that are vital to our future
• Engagement with the arts helps young people develop a sense of their own identity and value. This in turn develops personal responsibility within their school and wider community
• Arts and cultural learning encourages awareness, empathy and appreciation of difference and diversity and the views of others

Tate Collective

Tate Collective is for young people aged 15 to 25 years old. Its aim is to facilitate new young audiences in creating, experimenting and engaging in our galleries and online with Tate's collection and exhibitions.

In 2018 Tate launched £5 exhibition tickets for Tate Collective members. If you are 16 to 25 sign-up free to Tate Collective. You don’t have to live in the UK – young people anywhere in the world can join! Enjoy the benefits of exhibition entry for £5 (you can also bring up to three friends to shows, each for £5); as well as discounts in Tate’s cafes and shops.

I love art – but can it be a career?

Studying art and design at school opens the door to a range of careers in the creative industries. The creative industries, which include art, design and music, are an important part of the British economy – one of the areas of the economy that is still growing.

Art lessons at school include teaching functional and useful skills that prepare students for future careers in the arts. Art departments also forge links with arts organisations and creative practitioners, companies and agencies. They organise visits and workshops which provide inspiring opportunities to for students to see what it’s like to ‘do’ a particular job and hear how artists and designers got where they are. As a student at Uxbride High School commented:

When it is from someone who has actually been through it and does it now you get the push where you’re like ‘oh, so I could actually genuinely do that myself’, without having a teacher say it to you.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in art and design explore our art school and art career resources:

Working at Tate

Find out about working at Tate including how to apply, current jobs or vacancies and what we do

Art School Debate

Battling about where to study art or whether it's a good idea? Get a second opinion from those in the know...

Explore more

Student resources.

From GCSE and A level exam help and advice on applying for art school, to fun resources you can use when you visit our galleries.

Play, make and explore on Tate Kids

Our Kids Need Arts Education Now More Than Ever. Here’s What Is Lost Without It

B etween months of a pandemic , years of political hostility and centuries of racism , mending America’s wounds will be the work of many hands. In his first 100 days, President-elect Joe Biden should empower school-age children — no fewer than one in six Americans —to help heal themselves, one another and their communities by restoring the arts to our education system.

There’s no time to waste. No different than grown-ups, kids today are walled in, lacking human interaction and adrift in anxieties that nobody should have to worry about. Researchers are tracking a global surge in the number of young people reporting symptoms of clinical depression . And to make matters worse, school-based mental health services are hamstrung .

The good news is we can help young people to not only express and channel difficult emotions, but also to find their spirit’s song. Painting and ceramics, music and dance, photography and film —these aren’t merely hobbies; they are some of humankind’s most liberating pathways to creativity and catharsis. Anyone who’s stood before an ancient sculpture and felt wonder, or listened to a piece of classical music and felt peace, or gazed at a Renaissance painting and experienced the sublime grasps the power of art to transmit emotion across the ages. And arts like architecture and design teach us to imagine and create a future all of us can share.

Nothing moves us like art.

Yet, even before the outbreak of COVID-19, schools nationwide were rolling back arts education . Now that schools are bootstrapping themselves through the most challenging school year in recent memory, the arts could be on their way to permanent “extracurricular” status.

For students, teachers, parents—for all of us—this is a giant leap backward, not least because studies have shown that students who have the arts included in their core curriculum also see improvement in reading and math. Arts education has also been linked to not only higher GPAs and SAT scores but lower suspension and dropout rates. What’s more, young people who study the arts consistently demonstrate higher levels of empathy, social tolerance and civic engagement . Are any qualities more needed in the United States right now?

It is no coincidence that students at the lowest-performing schools in the country don’t have access to the arts. As the shift to digital learning widens the educational equity gap , the arts can give the most disadvantaged students a fighting chance to succeed. Indeed, we’ve seen it firsthand.

We’re part of a nationwide effort to integrate the arts across our education system. Here in California, we partner with 24 historically marginalized schools to harness the arts for transformation. In every case, we’ve been inspired by the changes we’re tracking. Young people who might have fallen through the cracks academically or socially find their voices and make themselves heard. Parents report that arts programs make schools feel tighter knit and more inclusive. Teachers say the arts help them connect across disciplines—bringing music into math class, sculpture into social studies, drawing into science and more. Ninety-eight percent of teachers in our partner schools tell us that the arts had a positive or very positive impact on their students during this challenging year.

As advocates, we see that arts education is an antidote to the narrow curricula, rote memorization and overreliance on high-stakes testing that leave too many teachers questioning their calling, and too many students unseen. As human beings, we thrill to the excitement, joy and fun that the arts bring to the experience of learning, teaching and growing.

And just as the arts can revive a school’s community, so too they can help restore our nation’s soul. That’s why the job of making arts accessible to young people starts at the top. President-elect Biden should heed the call to appoint a Secretary of Arts and Culture, who can help ensure that building back better means building back room for creative self-expression. Federal, state and local officials must work together to fund arts programs, hire more arts teachers and buy more musical instruments and arts supplies. Finally, at home and in the classroom, teachers and parents need to hold each other accountable for giving kids the time, space and resources to dance, draw, paint and sing.

After all, our future doesn’t just include young people, it depends on them. It won’t be long before they step out of their childhoods and into our increasingly troubled world. If we want them to have the creative powers necessary to solve the problems we’re leaving behind, then now more than ever, students need the arts.

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Publication

Guiding teachers to transform learning through the arts

Arts learning fuels transformative education that helps increase students’ capacity and motivation to build a more peaceful and sustainable world. However, to fully realize that potential, teachers must mindfully structure and support educational experiences to optimize what students will take away from them. 

This guide invites teachers to harness the transformative power of the arts through the research-informed Arts for Transformative Education model. This thinking tool for teachers was developed by analysing data from more than 600 teachers across 39 countries in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet). 

The model identifies four dimensions of arts learning experiences: Context, actions, relevance and outcomes. The model also recognizes special affordances associated with the arts that can enhance learning experiences. ‘Arts assets’ are situated within or across the learning dimensions. Arts assets hold the power to provoke transformation.

This publication provides:

● 12 ‘learning experience descriptions’ illustrating how the Arts for Transformative Education model works in real-world learning. 

● 12 ‘learning experience snapshots’ providing shorter additional examples.

● 'Guidelines for teachers’ outlining a step-by-step process for activating arts learning to empower transformative education.

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The Mind-Expanding Value of Arts Education

As funding for arts education declines worldwide, experts ponder what students — and the world at large — are losing in the process.

By Ginanne Brownell

This article is part of our special report on the Art for Tomorrow conference that was held in Florence, Italy.

Awuor Onguru says that if it were not for her continued exposure to arts education as a child, she never would have gotten into Yale University.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family in Nairobi, Kenya, Ms. Onguru, now a 20-year-old junior majoring in English and French, started taking music lessons at the age of four. By 12, she was playing violin in the string quartet at her primary school, where every student was required to play an instrument. As a high school student on scholarship at the International School of Kenya, she was not only being taught Bach concertos, she also became part of Nairobi’s music scene, playing first violin in a number of local orchestras.

During her high school summer breaks, Ms. Onguru — who also has a strong interest in creative writing and poetry — went to the United States, attending the Interlochen Center for the Arts ’ creative writing camp, in Michigan, and the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio . Ms. Onguru, who recently returned to campus after helping organize Yale Glee Club’s spring tour in Kenya, hopes to become a journalist after graduation. She has already made progress toward that goal, serving as the opinion editor for the Yale Daily News, and getting her work published in Teen Vogue and the literary journal Menacing Hedge.

“Whether you’re in sports, whether you end up in STEM, whether you end up in government, seeing my peers — who had different interests in arts — not everyone wanted to be an artist,” she said in a video interview. “But they found places to express themselves, found places to be creative, found places to say things that they didn’t know how else to say them.”

Ms. Onguru’s path shows what a pivotal role arts education can play in a young person’s development. Yet, while the arts and culture space accounts for a significant amount of gross domestic product across the globe — in the United Kingdom in 2021, the arts contributed £109 billion to the economy , while in the U.S., it brought in over $1 trillion that year — arts education budgets in schools continue to get slashed. (In 2021, for instance, the spending on arts education in the U.K. came to an average of just £9.40 per pupil for the year .)

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., the importance of arts education for high school students.

Art is an essential part of the human experience. It enables us to communicate with one another, express ourselves, and get new perspectives on the world. Arts education can help high school students develop their creativity, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. It can also help build self-confidence and resilience.

What is arts education?

Arts education is a broad term that encompasses all of the different ways that students can learn about and engage with the arts. This can include classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, music, dance, theater, and more. Arts education can also be more informal, such as taking part in an art club or attending a museum or concert.

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Why is arts education important for high school students?

For high school students, arts education is crucial for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples:

Creativity: By allowing students to express themselves in a variety of ways, arts education can aid in students’ creative growth by generating fresh ideas and problem-solving techniques.

Critical thinking: Analyzing and interpreting different works of art can help students better understand the world around them and make informed decisions.

Problem-solving: As students develop skills to come up with solutions to creative challenges, they can better deal with challenges in their everyday lives.

Self-confidence: Arts education can help students to develop self-confidence by giving them the opportunity to succeed in a challenging environment. This can help them believe in themselves and their abilities.

Resilience: Teaching students how to cope with failure and disappointment can help them bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of challenges.

Growth mindset: This is the belief that you can learn and improve with effort. Arts education can help students develop a growth mindset by providing them with opportunities to challenge themselves and learn new things.

Well-rounded individuals: Many students can explore and discover their interests and talents outside of the classroom. This can make them more well-rounded individuals and give them a competitive edge in college and the workforce.

Concrete Benefits for Students

Arts education can benefit high school students in many ways. Here are just a few examples:

A student who is struggling in math may be able to better understand the concepts by creating a visual representation of them.

A student who is shy may be able to come out of their shell by participating in a drama class.

A student who is struggling with their self-esteem may be able to boost their confidence by learning to play an instrument or by participating in a dance class.

A student who is interested in pursuing a career in the arts may be able to get the training and experience they need through arts education.

A student who is interested in a particular field, such as science or business, may be able to use the skills they learn in arts education to better understand that field.

A student who is simply looking for a way to express themselves creatively may find that arts education provides them with the outlet they need.

The Benefits of Arts Education for the Individual

In addition to the benefits that arts education can have for students' academic performance, there are also many personal benefits that students can gain from participating in the arts. These benefits include:

Increased self-esteem: Arts education can help students develop a positive sense of self-worth by giving them opportunities to express themselves creatively and to achieve success.

Improved social skills: Arts education can help students develop their social skills by requiring them to work together with others and to communicate effectively.

Reduced stress and anxiety: Arts education can help students reduce stress and anxiety by providing them with a creative outlet and by helping them to relax and de-stress.

Improved mental health: Arts education can help improve students' mental health by providing them with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Increased happiness: Arts education can help increase students' happiness by giving them a sense of joy and satisfaction.

The Benefits of Arts Education for Society

The benefits of arts education extend beyond the individual student. Arts education can also benefit society as a whole. These benefits include:

A more creative and innovative society: Arts education can spark creativity and enrich the community by encouraging people to think outside the box.

A more tolerant and understanding society: Arts education can help create a more tolerant and understanding society by exposing people to different cultures and perspectives.

A more civic-minded society: Arts education can help create a more civic-minded society by teaching people about the importance of civic engagement.

A more economically vibrant society: Arts education can help create a more economically vibrant society by producing skilled workers and by attracting businesses and tourists.

The Importance of Arts Education in High School and Future Planning

Arts education is especially important in high school, when students are making important decisions about their future. Arts education can help students explore their interests and talents, and it can also help them develop the skills they need to succeed in college and the workforce.

How to Get Involved in Arts Education

There are many ways to get involved in arts education. You can take classes at your school, join an arts club, or attend a museum or concert. You can also volunteer your time at an arts organization.

The Future of Arts Education

The future of arts education is bright. There is growing recognition of the value of arts education, and there is a movement to make arts education more accessible to all students. There have been efforts to promote additional funding for arts education as well as advocacy to provide more support for the proliferation of the field.

Arts education is an essential part of a balanced education. It can help students develop their creativity, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities in order to make them well-rounded individuals and prepare them for a bright future ahead. If you are a high school student, it would be wise to get involved in arts education, an investment in your personal growth and future.

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Why is Art Education Important: Benefits of Creative Learning

Why art education matters, have you ever wondered why is art education important.

Many people underestimate the true value of art education and see it as a non-essential part of the school curriculum. However, I firmly believe that learning about art and artistic expression is essential for our children’s growth and development.

Art education plays a vital role in the overall development of individuals, nurturing their creativity and offering numerous benefits that extend to various aspects of their lives.

This article delves into why art education is important and highlights the many benefits of creative learning for individuals of all ages.

Engaging in art can profoundly impact personal growth and societal well-being through painting, sculpting, or any other form of artistic expression.

The Importance of Art Education 

Art education is an essential part of any well-rounded education . It is about learning to draw or paint and developing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Art education is vital for people of all ages, but it is especially crucial for children. Studies have shown that children participating in art programs perform better academically and have higher self-esteem and confidence.

Art education can also help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.

Regardless of your role in the education system, whether you are a student, a parent, or an educator, it is imperative to recognize the critical role that art education plays in shaping well-rounded individuals and creating a more vibrant and culturally enriched society.

The Core of Art Education

Art education is a crucial component of any educational program. It gives students the tools to develop their creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills.

It encompasses various art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and digital media.

One of the core elements of art education is that it teaches students to think creatively.

This skill is essential in many fields, including science, engineering, and business. Another critical aspect of art education is that it helps students to express themselves visually.

Students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world by learning how to use different art forms to communicate their ideas and emotions.

This skill is vital today, where visual communication is becoming increasingly important. Art education also plays a crucial role in promoting cultural literacy and appreciation.

Students learn about different cultures and their contributions to the art world by studying art history and different art forms.

By teaching students to think creatively, express themselves visually, and appreciate the importance of art in our lives, art education prepares them for success in various fields.

Why Art Education is Critical

Importance of art education.

Art education is crucial because it helps individuals develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

It provides a unique opportunity for individuals to explore and express their thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Arts Education Matters

Arts education matters because it provides individuals with a well-rounded education. It helps individuals develop an appreciation for the arts and an understanding of their cultural significance.

Art Education

Art education allows individuals to explore different art forms and styles, learn about different artists and their works, and develop an understanding of art’s cultural and historical significance.

It also fosters creativity, imagination, and critical thinking, essential skills for success today.

How Art Education Helps Students Develop

It helps students learn how to express themselves through different mediums and encourages them to think outside the box.

Art education can also be rewarding for students as they develop their skills and see their progress over time.

Art Education in School Curriculum

Art education  is an essential academic discipline that should be included in the school curriculum. It allows students to express themselves creatively and develop critical thinking skills.

Teachers who teach art can help students develop their skills in drawing, painting, and other forms of art.

Art education can be integrated into other subjects as well. For example, students can be asked to create art projects relating to a particular history or science topic.

This helps students connect what they learn in other subjects with their art education.

Overall, art is an integral part of the school curriculum. It can help students develop their creative skills, learn about different cultures and traditions, and develop essential life skills.

By including art education in the school curriculum, students can develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all areas of life.

Role of Teachers in Art Education

They are responsible for teaching students the fundamental skills and techniques necessary to create art and helping them develop their unique artistic style.

Providing Instruction

They teach students the basic principles of art, such as color theory, composition, and perspective, and help them develop their skills and techniques over time.

Encouraging Creativity

Fostering critical thinking.

Art education is not just about creating beautiful works of art but also about fostering critical thinking skills.

Building Confidence

Art can be a powerful tool for building confidence and self-esteem. Teachers help students develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work and encourage them to take risks and try new things.

Providing Support

Finally, teachers provide emotional support to students as they navigate the ups and downs of the creative process.

Art education is essential to a well-rounded education, and teachers are essential to its success.

Different Forms of Art Education

Art education can take many different forms. The most common forms of art education include dance, drama, and performance art.

Dance is a form of art that involves movement and expression. It can be a great way to develop physical fitness, coordination, and balance.

Drama is a form of art that involves acting and performance. It can be a great way to develop your communication skills and ability to express emotions and convey ideas.

3. Performance Art

Performance art is a form of art that involves creating a live performance or event. It can be a great way to develop creativity and express yourself uniquely and meaningfully.

Many forms of performance art exist, including music, spoken word, and visual art. Each form has unique techniques and styles, so you can find one that suits your interests and abilities.

Overall, art education can be a great way to develop your skills and abilities, as well as express yourself in a creative and meaningful way.

Discovering Potential Through Art Education

Through art education, you can discover new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and expressing yourself.

You can also discover new interests and passions you never knew existed. This can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Expanding your creativity is another benefit of art education. It can help you think outside the box and develop unique solutions to problems.

Additionally, creating art can be a therapeutic and relaxing activity, reducing stress and improving mental health.

Closing Thoughts on Why is Art Education Important

In conclusion, art education is vital to children’s and adults’ development. It promotes creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-expression.

Art education fosters imagination and innovation, enabling individuals to think outside the box and tackle challenges with a fresh perspective.

Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize art education in schools and communities to nurture well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

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The Glen Echo

Why Art Education in High School isn’t Necessary

by Spencer LaVine , Staff Writer May 30, 2018

Art classes. They can be fun, intriguing, boring, even confusing. Arts classes can be described by many adjective but necessary is not one of them. I take no issue with the fact that the classes are offered, and even take a number myself, and I am not even advocating for their removal. However, they are not necessary to the success of students.

One of the biggest argument for art education is that it results in better test scores and higher grades. The simple fact that this is the best point art-education advocates can make is very telling. If the classes are considered essential due to their positive impact on grades, then perhaps that time spent on art should just be allocated to other courses or more free time that allow students to manage their workload in a better way. Evidence that links art education to academic success is limited, and is a prime example of the difference between causation and correlation. While it is true that students who take art classes generally have higher GPAs, that is not proof that art classes are the cause of that difference. This sentiment is echoed by Ellen Winner, a who is part of an arts education program at Harvard. Winner states that “when kids take a lot of art [classes], they don’t improve in their core subject areas,”. The success can be attributed to a number of factors, such as the fact that students with lower GPAs may not be at liberty to take more art classes.

In Glen Rock High School, a student is required to take a certain number of art classes, which can be taking valuable time away from other, more enriching courses, or option time which can be extremely beneficial to those taking a high number of AP or Honors courses. Why should students who are disinterested in the arts be forced to take an art course simply so they can acquire the credits? This takes nothing away from those students that have a genuine interest in the arts, but I believe that students, especially those who are involved with extracurriculars such as sports and clubs, would benefit exponentially from more time to get their work done.

In 2010, a Sacramento school system passed a bill that replaced art in schools with career training programs for students . STEM programs and other courses relating to preparing students for the ‘real world’ are likely more useful than art classes. Once again, this is not to say that art classes should be eliminated, rather change the way we look at them and their significance.  

We must remember what is actually necessary in education, which is to prepare them for success and prosperity in the next step of their lives. A study released by the Education Trust found that only 8 percent of recent graduates have taken a “foundational set of courses they’d need to be both college- and career-ready.” In addition, it is not to say that money is everything, but it is worth noting that most of the top earners in the liberal arts end up matching only the bottom earners in the STEM fields .

None of this piece is meant to belittle the arts or those who have passion for them. However, schools across America should realize that art education is unnecessary.

Art Education in High School is Necessary

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Is Art Education Necessary in High School?

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WHY ARTS EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT

Many of us involved in arts education feel the “case for arts education” has been made. And made again. Studies are rapidly piling up that show both the intrinsic value of arts education, its impact on academic learning and the positive effects that employment in the arts has in the economy.

However, we realize that because we are actively involved every day in teaching in and through the arts, we have a natural affinity for and easily latch onto this information. We understand that we must continue to purposefully share the case for arts education and bring the proof of its value to others daily.

We have two primary ways of discussing the value of arts education. First, we want to emphasize the impact arts education is having on overall K-12 academic achievement and preparation for postsecondary education. Second, we want to refute the common perception that “you can’t make a living as an artist,” which leads to an obvious and, to us, dangerous corollary: Why teach the arts?

To learn more about why arts education is important, download our full report  or  report summary .

ARTS EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Studies measuring creative thinking, critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning all find these functions increase and improve when arts education is added to the educational mix. (10) Dancers tested better on memory and motion processing than non-dancers and musicians demonstrated better auditory-visual discrimination and aural recognition than non-musicians. (11) Another study has found that through visual art studio classes, students develop habits of mind for sustained focus, imagination, close observation and articulation of their decision-making process. (12)

Correlative studies also show a strong relationship between arts education and:

• positive emotional development that leads to stronger abilities to self-regulate
• deep engagement in learning
• motivation to learn for understanding
• a decrease in disciplinary issues in schools
• self-awareness, self-concept and self-expression
• self-efficacy and self-confidence (13)

Research on students involved in arts education shows that they learn how to communicate effectively, practice constructive criticism and listen better. In a large-scale study, arts programming helped to prepare youth to apply their skills directly to employment opportunities. Another study showed that students who participate in arts education as youth stay in their local communities as adults and contribute to economic and civic growth. (14)

ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), an educational leadership organization with 160,000 members in 148 countries, said in a report that “studies also show that participating in the arts can actually boost student achievement in other academic areas. Therefore, arts groups are partnering with schools to provide professional development for teachers interested in integrating arts instruction across content areas.” (15)

Click here for citation notes.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Literacy and language development Arts learning in music, drama, media arts and spoken word relates to high achievement in reading and writing and high verbal SAT scores. (1) Music training relates to stronger performances in learning a second language with greater improvement in expressive fluency and competency. (2)

Mathematics achievement Studies find a relationship between music and high mathematics SAT scores. Relationships also exist between dance and media arts learning in high school and high achievement in math. (3)

Overall academic achievement Research suggests a significant positive relationship between arts study and high school students’ overall academic achievement as measured by standardized tests and student grades. (4)

Research finds that students who experience arts integrated curricula meet or significantly exceed state and district standardized test averages, even in schools with high populations of at-risk students. In addition, a notable study finds that arts integration programs do not lower test scores, suggesting there is no negative impact on academic achievement in core subjects from an arts-integrated curriculum. (5)

CORRELATIONS IN MINNESOTA

Perpich’s study confirms this trend. Two correlations between student achievement and arts education were identified in Minnesota. First, a positive relationship exists between a school’s Focus Rating (part of the Minnesota’s Multiple Measurement Rating or MMR) and higher levels of arts education (as measured by the arts education index).

Second, there is a positive relationship between a school’s scores for the Graduation Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) reading assessment and higher levels of arts education. These positive correlations still hold when controlling for other “confounding” variables such as income, minority status or geography. Higher levels of arts education coincide with higher Focus Ratings (MMR) and GRAD reading scores.

UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS

There is a strong body of research that demonstrates ways in which the arts contribute to academic success for high school students from low socio-economic backgrounds, English-language learners and students with special needs. These populations demonstrate the greatest relative improvement in academic achievement when participating in the arts. (6)

Other research provides evidence pointing to a relationship between arts participation in high school and increased attendance and reduced dropout rates. (7) Students from low socio-economic backgrounds, who participate in the arts, also have an increased chance of attending college and completing a postsecondary degree. (8) English-language learners are significantly more likely to pursue a college degree if they attend an arts-rich high school. (9)

ARTS EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO A HEALTHY ECONOMY

In addition to correlations between arts education and academic achievement, there is a demonstrated need for creative and innovative thinkers in our society.

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us – fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically – benefits that persist even during a pandemic that has been devastating to the arts. The ten reasons on this document show why an investment in artists and arts organizations is vital to the nation’s post-pandemic healing and recovery.

Source: Americans for the Arts

NATIONAL IMPACT OF THE ARTS The creative industries are America’s largest export with more than $60 billion annually in overseas sales. Ninety-seven percent of employers say creativity is of increasing importance but 85 percent of employers concerned with hiring creative people are unable to find the applicants they seek. More than 904,000 U.S. businesses are involved in the creation and distribution of art. Creativity-oriented jobs have gone from just over 10 percent of the economy to more than 30 percent.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

“Creativity is now the most important leadership quality for success in business, outweighing even integrity and global thinking.” —IBM study of more than 1500 corporate heads and public sector leaders across 60 nations and 33 industries

Interviews with industry leaders looking at employment trends through 2016 for arts-related jobs predicts that:

• Employment of artists and related workers is expected to grow 16 percent, faster than the average for all occupations.
• Employment of game designers is projected to grow by 14 percent.
• Employment of art directors is expected to grow by 12 percent.
• Employment in the motion picture and video industries is expected to grow 11 percent.
• Employment of interior designers is expected to grow by 19 percent.
• Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow by 13 percent.
• Employment growth by arts-centric businesses since 2007 was 11.6 percent, more than four times the rise in the total number of U.S. employees of 2.4 percent.

Sources: Americans for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Entertainment Software Association

ARTS AND MINNESOTA’S ECONOMY

In 2007, “Artists Count: The Economic Impact of Minnesota’s Individual Artists,”  showed that there were 19,676 artists surveyed, that their economic impact in terms of their own spending was $295 million, that they supported 5,937 full-time-equivalent jobs and that they generated $24 million in state and local revenue. The study also showed that artists are engaged in their communities, volunteering and voting to a higher degree than the rest of the population.

“The arts, culture and entertainment sectors are critical to the economic vitality and livability of this region. Clearly, a community that offers these amenities provides a huge draw for companies that may want to do business and for employees who will want to live and work here.” ⎯ Cynthia Lesher, President and CEO, Northern States Power Company – Minnesota

“It’s important to note that while it is no surprise that the Twin Cities metropolitan area supports a robust arts and culture economy, the report also shows a significant economic impact in every other area of Minnesota. The eleven regional reports demonstrate that the excellence, scope, and diversity of cultural activity in every corner of the state go beyond contributing to Minnesota’s quality of life: the arts and culture make a significant contribution to the state’s economy. The return on state arts and culture funding is dynamic. For a very small investment by the state of Minnesota, the arts and culture industry can be leveraged to create jobs, to revitalize both neighborhoods and rural communities, and to educate our children while helping to drive Minnesota’s economy.” ⎯ Sheila Smith, executive director,  Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, introduction to The Arts: A Driving Force in St. Paul’s Economy 2006. Read the 2018 report here.

In 2018, the city of Minneapolis released an updated report examining the creative sector in its economy. Read The Minneapolis Creative Index 2018  to learn more about the vital role creative jobs play in the metro area.

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Fletcher Technical Community College Celebrates Grand Opening of Workforce / Nursing & Allied Health Building

• Posted August 23, 2024

Schriever, LA  — Fletcher Technical Community College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Workforce / Nursing & Allied Health Building with a standing-room-only ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 20, 2024. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility, located at 1407 Hwy 311 in Schriever, marks a pivotal moment in Fletcher's ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and workforce development in the region.

The event featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Dr. Kim Hunter-Reed, Louisiana's Commissioner of Higher Education, who emphasized the building's significance in supporting both healthcare and workforce education. "Pillars of great institutions of great communities bring together workforce & healthcare. Those are foundational to the success of communities that thrive across this country. In this building, we see those pillars—a workforce facility, but also a nursing & allied health facility combined together," Dr. Hunter-Reed stated.

Chancellor Kristine Strickland reflected on the journey leading to this milestone, likening the new facility to a story with many chapters written by the community and its partners. "I thought about this building as a story... and each of the individuals who has joined me on stage this morning has represented a portion or a chapter in the story," she said. Strickland also highlighted the broader impact of the new facility, stating, "The opening of the Nursing and Allied Health Workforce Building marks a pivotal moment for Fletcher. This facility is essential for the expansion of our nursing program, enabling us to better serve our students and meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. With the South Central Industrial Association now housed on our campus, we are uniquely positioned to strengthen workforce connections within our community and beyond."

The new Workforce / Nursing & Allied Health Building will allow Fletcher to more than triple the enrollment capacity of its nursing and allied health programs and more than double the department’s faculty, significantly bolstering the college’s ability to meet the region’s healthcare needs. The facility includes advanced classrooms and training spaces designed to support the rigorous demands of nursing education and workforce development.

J.J. Buquet, President of the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA) Board, spoke on the critical role Fletcher plays in the community. "This facility, this campus, the staff, and employees are so very critical to the development of the workforce needs of our community, and that fact simply cannot be overstated. That's why several years ago, SCIA stepped up to be the last piece of the puzzle to achieve the match necessary for the creation of the facility. We couldn't have been more proud then, and we couldn't be more proud now to be housed in this facility," Buquet said. He further emphasized the importance of aligning skills with available jobs, stating, "If we had a less mismatch of skilled to available jobs, we could wipe out our unemployment right now... Because Fletcher provides the training necessary for those skills, we need Fletcher now more than ever."

Dr. Hunter-Reed also remarked on the unique bond between Fletcher and its community, stating, "The community shows up and shows out for Fletcher, because Fletcher is of and for and with this community—and that makes a tremendous difference."

The presence of the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA) on campus will further enhance Fletcher's ability to connect students with valuable industry resources, aligning educational programs with regional economic needs. The grand opening event included guided tours of the new facility, allowing attendees to explore the new opportunities it brings to Fletcher Technical Community College and the broader community.

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