Definition:
Culture is all aspects of life, the totality of meanings, ideas and beliefs shared by individuals within a group of people. Culture is learned, it includes language, values, norms, customs. Art has played a central, integral role in most cultures. Many cultures do not have a separate name for art, although they produce a vast number of objects which transcend utilitarian function and address aesthetic needs. Each culture and subculture has provided it's own standard of excellence in this regard. It is important, as art educators to view and assess art objects on their own cultural terms from within their original cultural contexts. As we begin to see from others intercultural vantage points, appreciation moves beyond observing from the outside, where we only see in terms of our own cultural experiences, and moves toward more authentic cross-cultural understanding.
Changing demographics and global communications are increasing the pluralistic nature of our world. The ongoing search to fill the need for human understanding and for multicultural education has found rich resources in art. Art education has the ability to assist students in developing the valuable skills of learning to appreciate diversity of art forms, artistic viewpoints and problem solving strategies. We must also encourage all students to treasure the global cultural legacies of art.
Thought Processes and Concepts to be Taught:
Cultural Context