Why study the arts in school?
Arts as a Means of Understanding the World
The arts emerge at the intersections of culture, personal expression, critical theory, history, and literacy. As such, the arts have the power to transcend the categories that divide academic disciplines to make broad impacts across content areas and in society as a whole. Students of art, music, and theater should have exposure to the arts from a variety of perspectives; they should learn about the role of art in various societies, cultures, and time periods – including the contemporary moment – to see how art shapes human endeavor and thought. I see the arts as a method of understanding the world through a variety of interpretative lenses. The arts act as mirrors to help us understand ourselves and the world in which we live. Through art and music education, students can connect with big ideas, form opinions about social and political issues, communicate using the language of art, and make connections outside the classroom.
Arts as a Means of Personal Expression
Quality art and music education should provide outlets for students to realize individual expression while exploring a variety of mediums and methods of production. Art and music classrooms should inspire students to experiment, make mistakes, take risks, and explore ideas. In this way, the arts cultivate creativity and inspire innovative thinking. It is my belief that students learn best the things they want and need to know. Giving students artistic and musical freedom helps them build self-confidence, learn decision-making skills, and gain a sense of duty and responsibility. Through the arts, student learn to develop their own personal voices and sense of individuality.
Careers and Opportunities in the Arts
Art education should provide students with exposure to art institutions such as galleries and museums, while music education should expose students to live performances, concerts, and productions. Additionally, arts education should make students aware of the ways in which they can become involved in community activities that incorporate the arts. By building exposure to the arts in the community, students gain an understanding of the ways in which they can play an important role in the fields of art and music. Students of the arts should become familiar with the diverse range of career opportunities available in arts-related fields.
Arts Cultivate 21st Century Skills
The arts have the ability to bring together diverse groups of people, symbolize thoughts and ideas, act as cultural communicators, and spur innovation. As such, the arts teach students 21st century skills, like creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. Students of the arts should be provided with various opportunities to reflect upon, interpret, and evaluate works of art and music through critical discussion and analysis. They should engage in the study of art and music history to form a knowledge base from which to build and support their own artistic ideas and practices. Students of the arts should be provided with opportunities to collaborate, when appropriate, explore divergent viewpoints, and develop their own creativity through personal expression.
Arts Celebrate Diversity
The arts curriculum taught in our classrooms should reflect the diversity of our community and planet, express a range of perspectives, and include the voices of peoples from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, social groups, ethnicities, and genders. Arts education supports feelings of community, belonging, and togetherness even among a group of diverse individuals. Through the arts, students should make connections between the schools and local cultural/community organizations to develop robust and diverse perspectives about the world.
