Social Issues in Art and Visual Culture Education

Social Challenges in the field of Arts and Visual Culture Education

Social issues in art and visual/material culture research and practice have a long history. Art/visual/material culture education research has also been impacted by well-developed contemporary education discourses such as social justice, social reconstruction, critical pedagogy, feminist pedagogy, and liberatory pedagogy. These pedagogies share the notion that instructors are guides to their students, not authorities, and that education is a politicized realm that must be relevant to students' lives. The current issues in art education might also come to a halt if it is encouraged for the aspiring candidates to think critically and reflectively, engage in a democratic society, and abide by "the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality."

Finally, a trend among artists and writers in the last 25 years to address social issues in Art; their work, for instance, Becker, Felshin, and Gablik have had an impact on social issues in art/visual/material culture education. These authors claim that art is a form of communication that must perform socially meaningful duties.

The nature of research concentrating on social issues in art/visual/material culture education is qualitative, as is the case with much research in the arts: ethnographic studies, case studies, action research, philosophical inquiry, and anecdotal accounts. The philosophical and conceptual questions serve as frames for the empirical research because this guide prioritizes empirical study, yet most of the research on social issues is philosophical and conceptual.

Gender Issues in Art Education and Visual/Material Culture

The feminist art movement influenced the development of gender concerns in art education, with research and activism focusing on equity issues, leadership styles, and the development of feminist pedagogy for example., Collins & Sandell, Zimmerman & Stankiewicz and Packard. Feminism nowadays is multidisciplinary and devoid of a clear concept. It encompasses feminist social change techniques such as pedagogy, art, research, and writing. Many theorists and researchers like Spiers, for instance, expanded the scope of feminist research to include gender as one of several identity elements. Binaries like male/female are substituted with relational specificity, which might allow feminist practitioners to engage with locations and issues that aren't generally considered "feminist."

Why is Arts Education a Social Justice Issue?

Art is without a doubt one of the most effective techniques for encouraging participation in inequality and freedom. The commitment to art and arts education in social justice education is apparent in order to develop a democratic society capable of creating spaces for participation and discourse.

Despite the fact that Spanish education regulations have gradually reduced arts education, we promote study and promotion of the social impact that art has as a tool for education and for social justice from the Chair. Due to their multidisciplinary potential, a canvas, a sculpture, a melody, or a poem can be wonderful teaching resources if used effectively in the classroom.

We are among the options for social justice afforded by creative education.

Values of Art Education

We may highlight one of the benefits of arts education for social justice: it allows us to listen to the stories and experiences of the most vulnerable groups and individuals, and it provides us with multiple perspectives on reality. It also encourages our kids' artistic sensibility, appreciation, and tolerance. Furthermore, art allows us to travel to other worlds, but it also forces us to return to Earth and critically examine the components that define our culture and way of life.

Art has tremendous potential to widen understanding of injustices and forms of dominance when viewed through the lens of social justice education. Moreover, artistic output allows us to contribute to social transformation as well as to oppose repressive behaviors.

Furthermore, creative creativity allows us to contribute to social reform and suggest new emancipatory and inclusive realities in addition to denouncing oppressive practices. "Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to modify it," stated Bertolt Brecht, a German poet, and playwright.

Similarly, while discussing the goals of artistic education for social justice, many researchers pointed out that it entails inciting reflection and then action related to creative activity, the educational consequences of which have an impact on the social context in which it develops. Arts education cultivates the agency, critical capacity, and creativity that has always been important but is even more so now.

As a result, art and arts education for social justice are critical for the collective transformation of our society.
Importance Of Art Education
Art is vital to the human experience because it allows you to communicate and connect with yourself through artistic creations. Participation in various activities, whether it be dancing, music, painting, or theatre, helps students learn important life skills. In recent years, art education has altered dramatically. Teachers have highlighted the relevance of art in a child's development for decades.

However, one of the obstacles to offering successful art instruction is the absence of empirical evidence to support its educational benefit.
Values that are incorporated by Art Education–

1. Positive Habits and Behavior are Created

When schools incorporate art instruction into their curriculum, children develop a friendly culture and atmosphere. Not only that but students can also acquire confidence and develop character through learning a musical instrument or dance technique, making artwork, or performing theatre. Although Art is so much more than these traditional ways tht are known to the world. Art can be anything that nourishes the soul of the artist and the one who is consuming the art.

Children acquire discipline and patience as they attempt to complete things that are difficult. They gain confidence and learn the significance of self-improvement when they excel at something. Students acquire the habits, behaviors, and attitudes that are required for success in any area.
2. The Importance of Collaboration

Students learn that they are part of a community and that they must work together to attain common goals through art education. It takes a team to put on a theatrical show, a dance performance, a choir, or any other collaborative art form. As youngsters begin to collaborate, they learn to recognize and overcome their differences in order to contribute to outstanding performances.

Art education fosters a harmonious learning environment by teaching students how to live and work together. It also teaches them to value constructive criticism.
3. Empathy

Every parent wants their child to succeed academically, but they also want them to grow into person with an impeccable character. Fortunately, an artist goes a long way in that department. A decent human being understands when and how to sympathize with his or her peers. Art education is simply another avenue for students to acquire the value of empathy. Art education encourages pupils to communicate with one another and allows them to learn about each other's challenges. Everyone, as we all know, faces their own set of challenges, and we must remember to treat others with respect. That is why art education is so important in developing well-rounded and thoughtful kids.

FINAL TAKE

To different people, art education means different things, but the bottom line is that it teaches knowledge and education in diverse sectors of the arts such as music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Society today runs in such a way that machines can perform the majority of the manual and technical tasks that formerly required people. Innovation and creativity, as well as thinking outside the box and having solid interpersonal skills, are in high demand.
Art, like mathematics and science, takes consistent practice and is not something that can be learned on the fly. For aspiring art students to benefit from regular arts involvement and education, it must be incorporated into the school curriculum.