Why the arts should matter
This blog post discusses 5 reasons why art is important and why it is a topic worth discussing. Sadly, art in high school education is predominately seen as a fun activity when and if the students have extra time. Because many believe that it is not an essential part of the development of a student, it is not taken seriously as a skill or a therapeutic tool. The importance of art in early childhood education is recognised and developed, but the older a student gets, the less emphasis is placed on the arts. Art is not a priority and is believed to only cater to students with ‘artistic talent’. This mindset is frustrating and diminishes the impact the arts can make. It is important to foster holistic development in students, moving away from standardised testing and grading and move toward art and creativity.
Sir Ken Robinson in his book Creative Schools explains why creativity is so important and how it is just as important as literacy. Art programs in schools should be recognised for their many benefits at all grade levels not just for young children. This blog post unpacks the 5 reasons why art is important. Art often finds itself woven into the fabric of learning. Fostering creativity in education is imperative to a holistic and meaningful school experience. The arts can be the answer to opening students up to a world of creativity and innovation.
Here are 5 reasons why art is important in education:
1. Creativity why it matters
Art serves as a tool for creativity. It encourages students to explore, experiment, and express themselves. Fostering student creativity through painting, drawing and sculpting, help students learn to think outside the box. Students can develop their imagination, and through imagination, innovation is born. And if you are asking “Why is creativity important in innovation ?”. It is because creativity is innovation, and without new and unique ideas – which creativity provides – innovation isn’t possible. Cultivating creativity is essential for problem-solving in many academic subjects and real-life situations.
2. Why STEAM and not STEM
Many have heard of the acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Science.Technology.Engineering.Math is a popular and fast-growing industry so many students wish to enter this world of study. STEM fields need problem-solving and innovation skills. STEM has always been a focus in schools because of its popularity. Schools drive these subjects, recognising their importance. There has been a recent shift from STEM to what is now called STEAM. Steam in education definition: integrate the arts into STEM fields and subjects to assist in innovation and problem-solving. STEAM education acronym stands for science, technology, engineering, art and maths. This shift in thinking and focus is imperative because the arts provide further opportunities for creativity, critical thinking and innovation.
Integrating art into STEM subjects to form STEAM recognises the interdisciplinary nature of learning and the necessary skills needed when studying and applying the arts. Artistic concepts such as design thinking and aesthetic principles can enhance innovation and creativity in fields like engineering, architecture, and technology. These skills touch every current industry and so art and fostering creativity becomes a vital area of student development.
3. Enhancing Critical Thinking
Art is not only about aesthetics; it also cultivates critical thinking skills. When analysing artworks, students are encouraged to observe, interpret, and evaluate the elements and principles of design, as well as the cultural and historical contexts. This process of critical inquiry strengthens analytical abilities and encourages a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through analysing art, students learn how art is not merely aesthetics but that art can evokes an emotional response. Understanding communication is more than just words can be a powerful concept. Students also begin to understand that art provides viewers with a message and that they too can make and create commentary on culture through their own artworks.
4. Why is creative expression important
In a world where individuality is celebrated, the ability to express oneself becomes invaluable. Art provides a medium through which students communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Self-expression is a powerful area to work on with student as it develops a sense of identity, confidence, and emotional intelligence. It fosters personal growth and well-being. The emotional connection students make during the creative process does not only bring joy, but it often validates sorrow and hardship. Art focuses on the essence of the image that is memorable for them, recording their emotion.
5. Why art is important in society
Art promotes cultural understanding. Art is a universal language bridging the barriers of language, nationality and ethnicity. You may also be wondering why art is important in history. Exposure to past artworks assist students in gaining insights into different cultures, perspectives, and values. This exposure fosters empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity and encourages a culture of acceptance and passion for variety and difference.
Art in the classroom
Nurturing well-rounded individuals is one of the many reasons art education is necessary in today’s schools because education is not solely about acquiring knowledge. It is about developing well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills, attitudes, and values to thrive. By embracing art as an integral part of education, nurturing students in all areas of life becomes possible. The importance of fine art education cannot be overstated. Art enriches the educational experience, fosters creativity and self-expression, enhances critical thinking skills, promotes cultural understanding, and prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Art is a creative outlets for stress and can help students mental well-being because of its ability to calm the body and mind and reflect on life in general. Teaching art is a gift and teachers can ensure that every student has the opportunity to tell the world that art class is ‘My creative outlet’. Art class is where they can flourish in a world brimming with possibilities. Working together can create schools that foster uniqueness and wonder rather than mass-produced, uninspired test takers. This blog provides 5 reasons why art is important to empower teachers to mentor students into becoming unique individuals that can separate themselves from the crowd. Growing students into the kind of individuals that creates masterpieces, find breakthroughs and that innovate and inspire.
