Save Art History

It has recently been announced that the Government intends remove Art History from the senior curriculum subject list.

We urgently need to demonstrate to the Minister of Education why Art History is a critically important subject for the future.

As an academically rich subject it aligns well with the current government’s focus on a knowledge-rich curriculum, the science of learning and the desire to improve literacy skills.

The loss of Art History would reduce students’ abilities to navigate an increasingly visual world and be a lost opportunity for students to develop high level writing skills. It would also reduce opportunities for students to engage with the complexities of our social, cultural, economic and political world.

Why the study of Art History is important

Art History enables students to critically and meaningfully interpret visual images. This is a vital 21st century skill where students decode images, question assumptions and learn to recognise how visual imagery represents the ideas and perspectives of society.

By studying artworks from diverse cultures, times and belief systems it develops students’ knowledge of societies in different times and places.

Art History also strongly develops students’ written communication writing, reading and research skills. Students are expected to think critically and be able to explain and argue persuasively in written form.