Engage Scotland and Queen Margaret University (QMU) Edinburgh have published a mapping research report and 3 case studies exploring engagement with visual art and design in Scottish secondary education.
The research 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.
The focus on literacy and numeracy because of Covid-19 has led to real concerns across the UK that art and design education will be further marginalised. This research describes the benefits that children and young people gain from art and design education, such as improved wellbeing and confidence. These benefits are even more important given current concerns about children and young people’s mental health. The research demonstrates the potential for training, education, and employment in the creative sector, which is critical as we look to the cultural and education sectors to jointly address social inequalities.
This research was commissioned by Engage Scotland and funded by Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government. The report’s authors are Caitlin McKinnon, Anthony Schrag and Rachel Blanche.
The full research report is accompanied by a list of key findings plus actions and recommendations which could be taken to strengthen contemporary visual art and design education in Scotland.
You can read both the full report and a summary of the findings on the Engage website here.