Art and Citizenship in Education: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

This chapter is an introduction to what the author defines as central to the Art in relation to Citizenship and Education. As these are regarded as multifaceted concepts that continually evolve and expand, diverse theoretical notions are addressed and illustrated through artistic examples. The author represents ideas, concepts and values, underpinning citizenship in Art and Art Education by posing two questions: (1) Which kinds of Art can support citizenship and in what ways? and (2) Which concepts can foster citizenship in Art and Art Education? Art and Citizenship are discussed in relation to culture and aesthetics, pointing out that Art is meaningful in a cultural context and at the same time it has the potential to engage us in transformative practices. The author contends that Art for Citizenship Education is grounded on two pillars: ‘Who I am’ and ‘Who we are’. These are analyzed and exemplified through artistic practices that are concerned with the power of image, the formation of identities and communities and diverse cultural contexts (spaces and places).

Citation

Savva, A. (2021), "Art and Citizenship in Education: A Conceptual Framework", Gonçalves, S. and Majhanovich, S. (Ed.) Art in Diverse Social Settings, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 61-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-896-520211003