On Arts

Rex Lui

In the 20th century, the pedagogical concept towards Arts Education is all about technical benefits: boosting creativity, aesthetics, relaxation, “side-dish entertainment”, to sum up. It’s about time to shift this concept. Arts is more than just Art for Art’s Sake. From the neurological point of view, arts is an essential cognitive method for learning and knowledge communication.

The saddest thing is, through out the entire educational systems all over the world, regardless of the advancement of the societies, Arts is still not a required subject in school. One best example is IB Diploma, where the group “Arts” can be replaced by any other subjects from other groups.

The solution is easily: make it a required subject for high school graduation, not necessarily be a requirement for college application though. Subjects like:

#1. Literary Art (Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism)
#2. Music (Performance, Composition)
#3. Visual Art (Painting, Photography, Sculpture)
#4. Media Art (Animation, Filmmaking, Comics)
#5. Design (Fashion, Graphic, Interior, Product)
#6. Performing Art (Dancing, Theater)

should be available. By re-establishing the quintessence of Arts Education, Art as an institution will take a more pro-active role instead of merely a follower within the social discourse.

Human evolves society progresses. Art, in the 21st century, will become more a member of “Truth Generator” instead of just a member of “Truth Messenger”. Art will be more a “Common Communication” instead of just a “Self Expression”. Art will be more a “Learning Method” instead of just an “Entertainment Tool”. Art will be more a “We” instead of a “MeP.

But it takes “Education” to execute this action.

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