The concept of art education has continuously evolved. Historically, it was deemed as something that was exotic and only for those who possess privileged access.
Today, the proliferation of art colleges has made them accessible and available to nearly everyone that seeks to pursue higher education within a discipline of its own. However, does this widespread availability make art school an actual viable option for students? Is it worth the money, time, and effort to attend art school?
This article will explore these questions by addressing the factors that would lead an individual to attend art school and the factors that would dissuade them.
Factors that Encourage Individuals to Attend Art School
First and foremost, art school provides a platform for aspiring artists to progress and hone their craft. In the modern system of higher education, the majority of college courses are primarily focused on teaching students the basics of their chosen field and offering job training.
Unfortunately, art school provides more of an experiential approach, which empowers its students to develop their skills and practice their craft so they can become better. In addition, since art school provides a platform to express creativity, it also provides fuel to the creative fire of those that seek to make a career out of their art. Second, art school increases the chances of success for those that seek to make a career out of the arts.
This is because art schools provide more education and resources for its students. By attending a reputable art school, students can receive instruction from professors who are well versed in the world of art and its traditions.
Furthermore, art schools usually have established internship and career guidance programs, which provide students with the necessary tools they need to realize their aspirations. Finally, art school offers a vibrant environment that stimulates the growth of creativity. Since art schools have many art-related courses, such as fine arts, creative writing, and visual communication, students are exposed to a wide array of approaches and perspectives.
This encourages students to explore different styles, techniques, and methods, which can lead to increased creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Factors that Discourage Individuals from Attending Art School
The primary factor that dissuades individuals from attending art school is the cost of tuition. For the most part, attendance to art school can become very expensive due to the high fees associated with certain programs.
Moreover, due to there being so many art schools, they have become a commodity and some have implemented increasing tuition fees in order to make ends meet. Thus, attending art school is not only expensive but it can also be economically unfriendly. Second, there is no guarantee that attending art school will lead to a successful career in the arts industry.
This can be a risky proposition since it is difficult to predict one’s future success. Although attendance to art school increases the chances of making it in the arts scene, it does not guarantee it. Furthermore, there are many writers and artists that have made it without attending art school, which further emphasizes the uncertainty that comes along with this venture.
Finally, there is a lack of industry standards for art school graduates. Across the nations, there is no established set of quality standards for art schools and the degrees they offer.
Therefore, prospective students who are interested in pursuing higher education in the arts must do their due diligence in finding a reputable art school and a reliable program. Additionally, the lack of industry standards can make the job searching process significantly more difficult due to employers having lower expectations for art school graduates.
Conclusion
Attending art school is not for everyone. Although there are factors that encourage individuals to enroll, there are also factors that dissuade them too. The primary motivation to attend art school should not be the expectation of success, but rather the passion to pursue one’s passion and use it to craft something inspiring.
Ultimately, attending art school or not should be a personal decision that is determined by one’s circumstances, ambition, and resources.