WHY ARTS

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

“Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to
remain an artist once
we grow up.”

Pablo Picasso

In a US-based 2012 National Endowment for the Arts study, it was found that children with low socioeconomic status and high arts exposure & participation display a dropout rate of 4% – which is 5 times lower than their low socioeconomic status peers. The same study also revealed that 8th graders and high school students who engaged extensively with the arts, were also more likely to aspire to go to college.

In a US-based 2012 National Endowment for the Arts study, it was found that children with low socioeconomic status and high arts exposure & participation display a dropout rate of 4% – which is 5 times lower than their low socioeconomic status peers. The same study also revealed that 8th graders and high school students who engaged extensively with the arts, were also more likely to aspire to go to college.

At NalandaWay Foundation, we’ve seen proof (we promise!) of how powerful the arts can be across our programmes. Many, which have run for years and benefited thousands of less-privileged children. We’ve used music, theatre, dance, media and film to inspire learning in children. And unfailingly, this magic always happens. Our children open up to their individuality, share their voice & collaborate with one another. So what is it that makes the arts in education so …radical for whole child development?

They play.

The instinct to play and explore are as much a part of the human universe as it is of the animal world. The intermodal use of arts in education helps children access their instinctive side in a joyful, centered manner.

They express.

Responsible individuality begins with authentic expression. The arts empower children to express verbally and non-verbally, leading them through a sense of well-being and achievement.

They discover.

When a child gets an opportunity to use their imagination, a whole new world opens up. With the help of the arts, children can get in touch with fresh meanings and realities, without being burdened by fear or oppression.

They discover.

When a child gets an opportunity to use their imagination, a whole new world opens up. With the help of the arts, children can get in touch with fresh meanings and realities, without being burdened by fear or oppression.

Nurture their sense of self...

The biggest source of happiness for a child is often the discovery that their unique voice has a place in the world. The arts, applied in an interdisciplinary way through education, expands this sense of worth.

Nurture their sense of self...

The biggest source of happiness for a child is often the discovery that their unique voice has a place in the world. The arts, applied in an interdisciplinary way through education, expands this sense of worth.

And deepen engagement with the world

A child with developed attention can ideate, assimilate and innovate. The arts in education ensures every child is engaged deeply with the task at hand, shaping their attitude for the years to come.