For many the arts
are just a frivolous add on to the more important core curriculum of numeracy
and literacy. However in reality, the arts play a powerful part in a child’s
education. Richard Florida, the famous USA economist and author said, “The arts
provide a conduit to the academics.” Integrating the arts into school life
expands possibilities for learning and provides opportunities for problem
solving, perceptual development, lateral thinking and imaginative action. For many of us, our strongest positive
memories of school are those provided by the arts (music, dance, drama, school
productions, visual arts) and sport. All
these pursuits provide contexts where students need to cooperate as a team and
where socializing is important. Both are
major sources of joy and achievement, providing valuable opportunities to develop
leadership skills, self-esteem and cooperation which are all necessary life and
workplace competencies.
The Arts also
preserve the spirit of a culture. They
can inspire, comfort and enrich an experience. George Bernard Shaw, the great
Irish playwright said, “The mirror to see our face, the arts to see our soul.”
Picasso had it right when he said,
"Every child is an artist", but he also added, "The problem is
how to remain an artist once (s)he grows up!" As I said, for some, the
visual arts (and the performing arts) have been viewed as an easy alternative
to the core curriculum. What many do not consider is that the visual
arts not only offer a rich opportunity to engage children in higher order
thinking but are also an opportunity of teaching children to look closely
to see their world. To analyse, synthesise and to create a representation
that is personal, creative and expressive. The challenge is to give
children the confidence to believe in their creative talent and to honour their
own and others' work. Also to allow their ideas to flow freely and not allow
the filters of doubt to enter their head. One only has to observe a 5 year
old painting to see a truly untainted take on the world. Art naturally links so
well with all aspects of the curriculum, particularly science.
In our vastly
complex world, it is important we develop the capacities of our children to
live meaningful lives, providing experiences which draw out intellectual
capacity, emotional response, aesthetic appreciation and social
responsibility. The arts do this so
well.
