Why the Arts?

“The arts matter because they help us see the world from different perspectives. They give us empathy and help us understand people, places, periods of history, and issues with which we may otherwise be unfamiliar. They comfort us in grief and energize us in celebration. They are important because they can act as a catalyst for change…they can start a revolution! The arts ignite something in our brains that I can’t explain, but I know it’s essential for life.” – Jennie Terman, Ethnomusicologist, Arts Advocate & International Educator

The purpose of Arts education is multifaceted. For some students, Arts education supports their goals to pursue the arts as a career choice; their hard work, passion and talent will become their livelihood. For others who choose not to pursue the arts as a career choice, an Arts education will nonetheless develop transferable skills that motivate students to be successful and connected in school and beyond.

Confidence
Critical Thinking
Cultural Responsiveness
Resilience
Communication
Interpersonal skills
Creativity
Positive mental health

The Arts Program at Downsview Secondary School prioritizes :

Equity

Well-being

Inclusion

Achievement

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Student Voice

Our vision in the Arts at Downsview is aligned with the following checklist from the
Council of Ontario Dance and Drama Educators (CODE):

Why the Arts?