Research and Policy

Mapping Contemporary Visual Art and Design Education in Scotland Published March, 2022

Mapping Contemporary Visual Art and Design Education in Scotland Published March, 2022

Engage champions children and young people’s access to art and design education and supports the visual arts sector to deliver this.

‘Mapping Contemporary Visual Art and Design Education in Scotland’ highlights innovative teaching and learning supported by artists and visual arts organisations through three case studies; describes the challenges that schools face in teaching art and design; and suggests ways for the visual arts and education sectors to partner to better support young people’s learning and access to careers in the creative sector.

This research is critically important in that it identifies factors that inhibit and facilitate engagement with contemporary visual art and design in the Scottish secondary school curriculum, and gives a better understanding of teachers’ confidence in engaging with and delivering contemporary visual art and design education. It also identifies where and how schools are engaging effectively with galleries, artists, designers, and visual arts organisations.

The findings make a persuasive case for working together to raise awareness of the benefits of art and design education in schools and on educational attainment. They set an agenda with an appreciation of creativity as a key competency, and form a compelling rationale for the effective preparation of Scottish children and young people for a range of inspiring, sustainable, and fulfilling careers in the vibrant cultural and creative industries.

Engage and Engage Scotland are grateful to the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Queen Margaret University for commissioning, supporting and undertaking the research.

To view the Full Report, Summary, Case Study for The Gordon School’s, Huntly, Bernat Klein Foundation, Hawick, The Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, documents follow the link below.

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