Why Art Education Matters

In whatever form it is, art develops and exhibits creativity. Different art forms have been a part of our experience, a part of many civilizations dating back to pre-historic times. Ancient artefacts, monuments, and paintings on rocks are all proof of this.

The basic objective of teaching arts to children is to develop learners who think like artistes, who are creative, curious, question and develop ideas.

Art education at its core, helps to develop a valuable skill that students rarely get to learn anywhere else: to find creative solutions for unsolved problems. It is important to understand that this sort of learning and this sort of creative environment is a necessity for the holistic development of a child.

Many schools primarily emphasise on acquiring knowledge, that can be evaluated by the outcomes of standardised tests. The prevailing consensus is that since art cannot be tested, it has no objective value. Math and science are important because you can take tests to see if you are strong at them, and if you are, you can pursue careers as an engineer, doctor, or other professional.

All of the knowledge in the world won’t be able to solve a single problem if no one has the creativity to apply it in a novel way, so this just accounts for half of the equation. The importance of imagination is greater than the importance of knowledge, according to Albert Einstein.

Knowledge combined with creativity results in innovation. This simple formula has the potential to hold the key for all our future successes.

Schools should be a place for helping children find their own personal strengths and abilities where they can find the way they can contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Creativity Does Matter!

Creativity is everywhere, there is a creative mind behind every product we touch and experience.

Creativity is now even being touted by educational reformers and economists as the number one skill that is needed for student success, economic growth and general happiness.

Creativity now also is of high importance in hiring: people with creative thinking skills, developed through good art education, are better communicators, great collaborators and they can adapt to and respect diverse ways of thinking.

Benefits of Art Education for children:

Teaching art to children is not just about learning the history of art or about world-renowned artistes and their paintings. It is more about preparing them for a future of invaluable experiences that may not necessarily be just art related and equipping them with important skills.

• Art has been seen to stimulate both sides of the brain, which is not otherwise exercised through other learning opportunities.
• Engaging with a good work of art can connect children to their senses, body, and mind.
• Art has been known to help children understand other subjects much more clearly—from math and science and even languages.
• Art activities help children to develop their creative problem-solving skills, and ways of communicating their thoughts, emotions and ideas.
• Exposing children to art from their young age encourages them to appreciate beauty and develop a respect for creative expression of all kinds be it dance, theatre, music, etc.
• Art helps children to think creatively and to explore ideas

Data from numerous research studies conducted across the world on art education shows a very high percentage of skill improvements through arts, which makes it very evident that arts play a vital role today in the healthy upbringing of children.