While not everyone may feel that the arts are their favoured pastime or that arts education is particularly important, we cannot ignore the advantages that the arts can have on an overwhelmed population. 

For many young people, the stress and realities of life can be difficult. Education in the arts at school has helped many students who have been suffering with mental health issues to find enjoyment in doing something new. Other young people who participate in the arts have seen it as a way to ignite creativity, increase confidence, critical thinking skills, and improve academic achievement. It is important for schools to show that there are a wide range of careers open to students in the arts to provide a balance between academia and other aspects of life.

 

Charities such as ‘Creative Youth’ located in Kingston upon Thames offer a fantastic opportunity for young people interested in the arts. They state that their aim is “to enable young people to realise their potential through the arts.” On 30th March 2022 Creative Youth plan to hold a dinner gala at Glenmore House, Surbiton to showcase and celebrate aspiring artists and young performers. Already the charity supports around 1,500 young people, however by next year they plan to expand this by launching a new creative space in the heart of Kingston to become a ‘factory of futures’. This is a great opportunity for many more young people to explore their talents and enrich their lives. 

 

A level student Rona Mitchell, 17, explained her perspective on the benefits of the creative arts. As she takes art as an A level subject she felt strongly about the importance of other students also taking art. She explained that “as someone who takes two other demanding A levels, art gives me a chance to relax and wind down. As my art teacher says ‘art works the other side of your brain’ and I couldn’t agree more.” She also said that her favourite aspect of art is that she enjoys how rewarding it can become. She stated “there is so much time and effort applied when creating a piece of art, so there is nothing like seeing the final result.” Moreover, when discussing if she thought this would be beneficial for everyone else her age, she felt that “regardless of whether you’re good at art, its broadness allows anyone to find some aspect which they are able to enjoy. I know many other artists who find realism difficult but thrive when creating abstract art.”

 

For many like Rona, art can be a great means to destress from her schoolwork. Rona believes that art should be made compulsory in order to support young people's mental health. However, others such as Evie Hodson, aged 16, suggested that art should not be obligatory in schools. She stated:“Art as stress relief is very effective, but only for those good at it. For people not as talented, it can be more stressful than relaxing.” Furthermore, Evie suggested that a young person's mental health could be supported in other ways. She said: “Instead of art, I think you can relax through fun sports sessions, like dance or rounders. This could be more effective at helping people to relieve their stress, particularly if there is no competition.”


It is clear that many people see the benefits of creative subjects in school; this is because they can help to combat the challenges associated with, for example, mental health and stress. However, others believe there are other means, such as sport, which can support issues that many young people face. It is evident that schools should ensure a focus on pupil enrichment beyond the academic syllabus, whether this is achieved through the creative arts or any other undiscovered hobbies and interests.