Why Art?

What is Art?• What does art mean to you? • Is art important to you?• What type of art is your favorite?• Is one type of art more important

than another?• List as many types of art as you

can– (dance, drama, music, literature,

poetry, craft, design, digital arts, storytelling, heritage visual arts, film, media, photography)

What is Art Education?• What were you taught in Art Education?• What should be taught in art education?• How many years should students be taught art

education?• Does art education have to be in an arts classroom?• Does art education have to be in a school?

Art and being human (Ms. Voss’ importance of art)

• What makes animals and humans different?– The ability to be creative

• Studies show that teaching a child how to be creative within their culture allows them to:

• Develop an individual sense of initiative• Develop autonomy (empowerment)

• Art is not only an expression of cultural diversity, but it is a form of expression that transmits culture

Video

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M5hs6ahcKU

Art and the United Nations

• UNESCO• United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization• Created in 1945 to help build peace

UNESCO Objectives

1 Create an opportunity for every boy and girl to receive education

2 Create intercultural understanding3 Create scientific cooperation to keep

everyone safe (tsunamis, hurricanes, etc)

UNESCO and Arts Education

• Art = culture– Form of expression, creation, invention and

learning• Art can be taught formally or informally but

either way it is crucial for child development and cultural protection

Importance of teaching art

• Child development– Intellectual• Creativity, innovation, critical reflection

– Emotional• Interpersonal skills, tolerance, acceptace, appreciation

– Psychological• Self-esteem, awareness, creation of identity

• Example of development with art• Wrong hand• One-line• Eyes closed

Ways to teach art

• Learning through arts and culture• Use art and cultural practices that exist to teach

• Learning in the arts and culture• Stressing the value of cultural perspectives in learning

process

Art and the family

• In the 21st century, families are not the same as they used to be– Children do not get as much

attention from their parents and are not exposed to traditions and culture as much

– Also, living in urban areas has made transmitting culture to poorer families more difficult

Art and the Workforce

• Most employers are looking for more creative, flexible, adaptable and innovative workers

• Art education teaches people how to express themselves and think critically