The Importance of Art in Education Through 4 Scientific Studies

There is a link between arts education and improved literacy

A 2006 Guggenheim Museum study sent artists into schools to help students create their own masterpieces. Students who participated performed better in six different categories of literacy. Researchers believed the improvement came from students thinking critically about art in a way that could be applied to other subjects. 

Greater arts education can lead to better discipline, attendance, test scores and graduation rates

This study by the Missouri Department of Education surveyed its public school system and found that arts education had a significant effect on the academic and social success of their students, including being more likely to come to class and to graduate, and less likely to be expelled. Similar studies in other states have yielded nearly identical results.

Art education can help connect students to the larger world and improve community cohesion

A 2005 Rand Corporation report titled “A Portrait of the Visual Arts” showed that arts education did much to close the achievement gap between students from divergent socio-economic levels and gave a boost to children who lacked certain enrichment experiences available at more competitive schools.

The Importance Of Art Education Can Be Seen In Every Discipline

At IPMM we believe strongly in the importance of art education. It’s central to our philosophy and to our programming. We think that high-quality and well-funded art education from a very young age creates more well-rounded and dynamic students, able to problem solve creatively and innovate.

We know that art education fosters curiosity about the world and a sense of the interdisciplinary which leads to future citizens who understand the connections and overlap between different aspects of society. These individuals are better equipped to deal with complex situations and think about issues that require multifaceted solutions.

Art education is empowering, and full of crucial skills like literacy and cultural competency. It can bridge gaps and divides, and bring people from disparate backgrounds together. IPMM believes in the transformative power of art education, and these 4 studies are just part of that picture.

Art education is in constant jeopardy, but defunding or downsizing these programs in schools will only be detrimental to our future. If you want to support art education, consider getting involved in our Sponsor A School program, or simply donating to IPaintMyMind, to help us sustain our programming which brings art education to schools all over Chicago.