The arts are a defining feature of cultural identity. They provide us with insight into the past, into what is valued in the present and into hopes and aspirations for the future. They are dynamic and fluid, responding to the present while also preserving traditions of the past.

The arts provide us with the means to examine our world and what it is to be human; as universal forms of human expression, the arts enable us to share our experiences, discoveries, understandings and preoccupations. As such, the arts provide opportunities for intercultural exchange and dialogue while also shaping our individual and collective identities.

We turn to the arts in times of uncertainty as well as at times of celebration. Through the study of art practices, artists and artworks in their cultural, historical and social contexts, we can gain insight into the role of the arts in society and also into the concerns and values of a particular culture.

The MYP values the process of creating, performing and presenting artwork, and gives students opportunities to function as artists and to develop as learners. Students learn to use the arts to convey feelings, experiences and ideas about the world, and in doing so they acquire and develop techniques and creative skills. They learn the value of reflection and evaluation as a means of developing their ideas, their skills and their work.

Thinking and working creatively is fundamental to MYP arts, and it can easily become a focus in other subject groups too. Heightened awareness of thinking creatively encourages student-centred learning and develops students’ lifelong learning skills. It also prepares them for a world where they may be required to be flexible, innovative and entrepreneurial.

By developing curiosity about themselves, others and the world, students can become effective learners, inquirers and creative problem-solvers. They develop their social, emotional, intellectual and personal skills, building their self-confidence and learning different ways to express and present themselves. Being creative not only empowers students by giving them a voice to share their experiences and ideas, it also enhances their well-being, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

The arts encourage students to work, create and learn in collaboration with others, thus developing their ability to work as part of a team; sharing, negotiating and connecting with others. Through collaborating with others, students are able to understand the power of multiple perspectives and the value of diversity.

The arts in the MYP seek to stimulate young imaginations, challenge perceptions and develop creative and analytical skills. Involvement in the arts encourages students to understand the arts in context and the cultural histories of artworks, thus supporting the development of an inquiring and empathetic world view. The arts challenge and enrich personal identity, and build awareness of the aesthetic in a real-world context. Through development of the imagination, students can become more empathetic and compassionate, they can enrich their cultural lives and discover new ways to contribute actively both to their own communities and to the world.

(MYP: Arts guide, 2021-22)