The importance of art education at school

Art education is sometimes treated as an additional or less important part of school because subjects such as mathematics, languages, science, and technology appear to have clearer connections with examinations, university admission, and employment. When school schedules become crowded or budgets become limited, art lessons can therefore be seen as something that can be reduced without serious consequences. This attitude usually comes from a narrow understanding of both art and education. If art is understood only as learning how to draw attractive pictures, and education is understood only as preparing students to pass tests, then art may indeed appear optional. …