Creativity is the spark that turns dreams into progress.  Without it humanity stands still; with it, we shape the future.

Introduction

As a drama teacher, I’ve been lucky enough to see firsthand the transformative power of arts education in the classroom for over 20 years. Across Australia, the arts are so much more than just fun or a break from “real” subjects; they are a core part of the curriculum and a vital part of student development. The benefits our young people experience having enjoyed an arts-rich education have huge benefits that will last them a lifetime.

From painting and performance to music, dance, and media, arts education gives students the space to explore their creativity, build confidence, and connect with others. I’ve watched shy students find their voice on stage, and disengaged learners come alive through storytelling and role play. The arts foster imagination and empathy, and they teach essential life skills—like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. These aren’t  just classroom achievements; they are qualities that shape thoughtful, capable, and well-rounded members of society. For me, and for so many educators, arts education isn't an add-on—it's an essential foundation for learning, growth, and connection.

The Importance of the Arts

Once we acknowledge the arts transcend time, cultures and beliefs, dating back thousands of years, we can start to recognise their importance and power. The ancient Greeks for example, considered the Arts essential for developing a well-rounded citizen, their theatre and art are still celebrated today.  In ancient China, arts such as calligraphy, music and dance, were deeply integrated into education, rituals and culture, emphasising harmony and balance- core principles in Chinese philosophy. The arts were revered in these dichotomous ancient civilisations, showing us that no matter the culture, belief systems, or geographical location, the arts have always been, and always will be at the heart of what makes us human.

Today, Arts education continues to evolve reflecting and shaping the societies and cultures around us.  And the reason the arts have survived and thrived for so long? That’s easy; at their heart, the arts are about belonging. About connection and personal expression- fundamental aspects of being human.  The arts give everyone and anyone a voice, an identity.  In schools, my greatest joy is watching young people feel that sense of true belonging; to a group, a team, a culture whilst at the same time being celebrated for their uniqueness and individuality. Every discipline within the arts, art, drama, dance, music, media offer a safe environment for our young people to be themselves and discover who they want to be, to find their voice and learn to use it.  These are absolute foundational, core experiences for young people.  You may not remember every lesson you sat behind a desk, but you will remember that school musical, that time your teacher displayed your artwork, the choir you sang your heart out in.  You belonged. 

Benefits of Arts in Education

A creative education has a powerhouse of benefits that stretch far beyond the classroom. For starters, the arts spark creativity—one of the most valuable (and increasingly rare) skills in today’s innovation-driven world. The arts teach students to think outside the box, to question, to explore, to be inspired.  Innovation comes from creation afterall. 

As the World Economic Forum stated in their ‘Future of Jobs Report’ 2020, ‘The Arts develop critical 21st century skills.  Innovation, creativity, problem solving and adaptability are the top five skills needed for the future.’ Academically, students involved in the arts tend to perform better across subjects. A study from USC, Brain and Creativity Institute found that arts training increases brain plasticity, verbal memory and attention control in children.’ while,’visual and performing arts stimulate regions responsible for language, emotion and decision making.’

It’s not just researchers that speak of the power of arts education to change and improve lives, you can look around to any school and find young people inspired who will happily tell you of the importance the arts have in their lives.  As the great composer, lyricist, all round creative genius, Lin Manuel Miranda explains, ‘“The impact of arts education saved my life. I had the good fortune to go to a school from elementary through high school. There, my life was really changed by an elementary school music teacher who believed in me.’ This is where I feel so lucky to work with so many exceptional teachers who bring out the best in the students we teach, who go above and beyond to support, challenge and inspire the next generation of creatives.

Cognitive Development

Arts education significantly boosts cognitive development. According to a study by the Arts Education Partnership, students involved in arts learning experiences score better on measures of academic achievement and critical thinking. Engaging in artistic activities strengthens problem-solving skills, enhances memory retention, and fosters improved focus and attention spans.  Collective benefits include achievements in reading, language and mathematics development, increased higher order thinking skills and capacities, increased motivation to learn, and improvements in effective social behaviours.  school-based arts participation can increase learners’ confidence and motivation, thereby improving school attendance rates, academic outcomes and the well-being and life skills of children and young people. Bowen, E.H, Kisida, B. (2019). Investigating Causal Effects of Arts Education Experiences. Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

In short, arts education helps students grow not just as learners, but as whole humans. It’s not just enriching—it’s essential.

Academic Improvements

Perhaps most surprisingly, arts education has a positive ripple effect on students' performance in traditional academic areas. Research published by the National Endowment for the Arts found that students with high arts involvement were more likely to be recognised for academic achievement and have higher average test scores. Dr Anita Collins, a neuromusical educator and founder of Bigger Better Brains celebrates the power of a musical education, sharing ‘Music learning has been found to improve language learning and literacy as well as numeracy processing. Music learning improves cognitive control, numerical cognition and divergent thinking as well as proven links between music education and improved psychological wellbeing and self-regulation.’  Dr Collins has also found proof of the academic improvements in young people’s working memories, cognitive speeds and focussed attention spans demonstrating the unequivocal benefits of studying the arts on young people’s developing brains. 

Social-Emotional Benefits

Arts education offers more than just creative expression and academic benefits, it plays a powerful role in supporting students’ social and emotional development. Students are given a safe space to express feelings, explore identity, and build emotional resilience. In a world where young people face increasing mental health pressures, the arts provide a valuable outlet for processing emotions in healthy, constructive ways.  Having watched our Year 12 Media Arts in Practice students’ final short films this week, I was struck with the number of boys who had chosen to explore male mental health in their own way.  These boys are the ‘footy’ boys who created skillful, unique and incredibly powerful films that spoke directly to us as adults about issues affecting them and their peers in today’s cutthroat world. I watched, in awe of their honesty and vulnerability as they shared their stories through their chosen art form.

The obvious need for collaboration, helps students develop core skills in empathy and communication. Students learn to listen, respect different perspectives, and work as a team. These shared creative experiences foster a sense of community, boosting confidence and self-worth and essentially enjoyment in their learning. Ultimately, arts education nurtures emotional intelligence, compassion, and confidence- skills essential for personal well-being and positive social interactions, both in school and throughout life.

In truth, the arts often don’t get the respect they deserve, especially in education. Too many see subjects like art, music, and drama as “extras” rather than essential parts of learning. This mindset leads to budget cuts and fewer opportunities for students to engage creatively. Instead of sidelining the arts, Townsville Catholic Education champions them as fundamental to education, ensuring every student has the chance to benefit from their transformative power. The arts aren’t just decorations—they’re the heart of a vibrant, meaningful education.

Conclusion

Arts education is more than just drawing or playing instruments—it’s a proven pathway to cognitive growth, emotional maturity, academic success, and lifelong learning. By valuing and integrating the arts, schools within the Townsville Catholic Education diocese are giving students the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.