Introduction

What does one think when we talk about visual and performing arts? We think of it as a dance form or a painting but visual and performing arts are beyond painting a picture or playing an instrument.

It is all about expressions, understanding art, creativity and cultural background. These art forms have evolved over time from drawings in caves to beautiful mural paintings and have become a crucial part of human civilization. 

They continue to play an important role in today’s education system and we will be exploring how the importance of visual and performing arts, its impact and why it should be incorporated into curriculum.

1. What Are Visual and Performing Arts?

Let’s explore the definition of each art form to understand the significance of visual and performing arts:

• Lisual Arts- It is an art form which primarily focuses on creating visual works which includes the following:

• Painting- Creating art using colors, shapes and forms using canvas, paper or paints.

• Sculpture- Creating beautiful sculptures or 3D art using materials such as clay, metal, wood or stone.

• Photography- Capturing visuals or expressions using a camera to portray an emotional expression or art.

• Drawing- Creating images or art using pencils, charcoal or other materials on paper or other surfaces.

• Printmaking- Creating artwork such as lithographs, kalamkari drawings, etchings by transferring the images to a surface.

Visual arts is all about expressing your thoughts and feelings through art and is associated with self expression and ability to interact with the viewers. 

It is one of the best ways to communicate and express your feelings, ideas and perspectives more than words.

• Performing Arts- It is an art form which are live performances combining physical gestures, vocal expression and elements such as stage, media etc. There are different types of performing art such as:

• Dance- A form using body, hand movements, music and face expressions.

• Theatre- the dramatic art form with stories, characters, narration, emotions and performing live in front of the audience.

• Music- The art of organising sounds and beats to create music and harmony through vocal instruments and signers.

• Opera- The combination of music, dancing, singing and acting to narrate a story.

Visual and performing arts go hand in hand and provide different avenues for expression and help students develop different skills.

It provides students an opportunity to engage, build emotional engagement, foster creativity and technical skill and expand learning beyond the traditional classroom.

2. The Role of Visual and Performing Arts in Education

How does visual and performing arts help students? One of the main benefits is its ability to enhance their creativity. 

When students participate in dancing competitions or singing, or perform live theatre, they are encouraged to think creatively, explore new ideas and form and challenge their boundaries. 

The curriculum provides them a platform to express their creativity or thoughts in artistic form and pushes them beyond their comfort zone.

It is a tool to enhance their critical thinking skills and enables them to approach problems and challenges with fresh perspectives. 

Secondly, it cultivates discipline, engaging in performing arts and helps students attend rehearsals and practice sessions. By doing that, they cultivate a high level of focus and commitment, manage their time effectively and work consistently towards a goal.

Visual arts involves several steps from sketching to creating final touches which requires focus and patience. The minute details and paying attention to those details promotes discipline and focus.

Performing visual arts in education promotes teamwork and social skills especially in group based activities such as theatre, dance, singing. They emphasize the importance of teamwork, collaboration and often working with a tight deadline. Students tend to learn group murals, installations, share responsibilities, leadership skills, and effective communication to create a successful production.

Lastly, both visuals and performing arts contribute to cognitive development of students which helps them with academic areas too. 

3. Performing Arts Courses: Key Offerings and Benefits

Performing arts in school curriculum includes dance periods, theatre, music courses at various levels. These courses are not only at school level but also offered in various colleges and universities to different interests and skill levels.

Below are some of the benefits of performing arts education:

1. Boosting Confidence- To perform in front of large audiences, it requires self esteem and confidence, which is gained through performing art forms. They help students express themselves without the fear of judgement.

2. Public Speaking skills- These skills are essential for every student in their career and is built through doing theatre or debate competitions as a part of performing arts.

3. Emotional Intelligence- Students learn to understand and express emotions through different characters and themes. These skills would develop emotional connection which is important for both personal and professional relationships.

4. Integrating Visual and Performing Arts into Education

There are schools and colleges who have incorporated visual and performing arts in education in an effective manner for a well rounded student performance. 

Schools should continue providing equal importance to these art classes/courses through regular classes, annual events and encouragement to students. 

It should not be forgotten that art is a separate subject but instead it is interconnected and should be used to foster a broader understanding of culture, emotion and creativity.

5. Benefits of Studying Visual and Performing Arts

 Nowadays, we observe students taking visual and performing arts as their main career and opt to study acting, directing, music production, dancing, theatre, art curation or graphic design. 

 It has become a mainstream career which helps them follow their passion and connect with their inner selves. 

 Engaging in these art forms act as a stress reliever and improves overall mental well being which helps everyone to relax, unwind and find joy in these hectic schedules.

6. Encouraging Creative Expression through Arts

It is time to stop thinking that art career options are not for everyone. We have seen people ditching their 9 to 5 corporate jobs to follow their artistic pursuits. 

These thoughts can be inculcated in students through school curriculums which provide students with the tools to express their unique ideas and perspectives. 

Let them embrace arts, confidence, empathy and love for creativity through visual and performing arts.

Conclusion

We can conclude that visual and performing arts play an important role shaping the overall performance of individuals. They enhance creativity, critical thinking, discipline and emotional intelligence in students to express themselves and understand the outer world.

Try to integrate these art forms in academics and balance them to experience both professional and personal development.

A note to every parent or educator to encourage their children to explore their passion and love for performing art courses or visual arts curriculum. Explore the potential in your child and support them to the fullest and let them explore the magical experience beyond the classroom.