The Value Of Creative Education
PUBLISHED BY MAKE BANK
A high-quality creative education has the power to inspire someone to pursue a creative career - and that’s not the only benefit. Being encouraged to create can help build confidence and offer a healthy coping mechanism.
During my time as editor at Make Bank, I have had countless conversations with creative professionals about why making is much more than a job to them. Looking back at these conversations sheds light on the true value of creative education…
Building Confidence
One of the most commonly discussed issues relating to education is how schools often value ‘academic’ stem subjects over creative ones. This wouldn’t be so damaging if all brains excelled at the same things - but they don’t.
“Education often values the things which dyslexics aren’t good at,” explains glassware designer Jim Rokos. “There are massive positives to being dyslexic. Although dyslexics tend not to be as good at spelling, learning languages and remembering things; they tend to be stronger at visual thinking, creative thinking, lateral thinking and problem-solving. As an adult, there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of your dyslexic strengths.”
“As an adult, there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of your dyslexic strengths.”
- Jim Rokos
Discovering they are good at something of value can do wonders for a young person’s confidence. For many pupils, the thing they excel at is creative thinking. “When I am speaking to parents of dyslexic children, I say: find something they are great at and encourage them to do it,” Jim continues. “It doesn’t have to lead to a career, it just has to be something that makes them feel happy and confident. Creating self-confidence in childhood carries through to adulthood.”
Designer Jay Osgerby also champions the creative benefits of a dyslexic brain. “Dyslexic minds are connected in completely different ways. We are not linear thinkers and that is a real benefit when it comes to the creative arts,” he says. “Being wired differently - like dyslexic or ADHD brains are - is a real benefit for coming up with really unusual solutions to problems. I think generally, any form of neurodiversity is no longer a barrier, especially in the creative world - it’s a superpower.”
For neurodiverse young people in particular, placing value on creativity can shine a spotlight on what they excel at and fill them with self-worth; turning a potential vulnerability into a proud superpower.
Photography by Susan Castillo
Combating Isolation
At high school, the goal for many pupils is simply to fit in with the crowd. This fear of standing out often results in young people hiding anything which makes them unique.
Design accessibility activist Sabrina Tivengadum from We’re All Human always felt like she struggled to fit in as a child. “I hid my hearing loss throughout school and it affected how well I did. I struggled to follow lessons but I had the typical attitude instilled in me, to ‘just get on with it’,” Sabrina recalls. She goes on to explain how the creative spaces were the only ones she felt comfortable in. “In Art class, I remember being the ideas girl and helping others to figure out their concept. I have vivid happy memories of playing around in the cupboard darkroom hidden at the back of a class. Another reason I loved Art so much is that it was a moment of silence that everyone consented to.”
“Another reason I loved Art so much is that it was a moment of silence that everyone consented to.”
- Sabrina Tivengadum
Queer kids can also struggle to find their place in the world. “There were times when I was younger when I was scared that I wouldn’t have the same opportunities as other people because of my sexuality or my gender; the combination of things that make me feel ‘other’ from somebody else,” explains illustrator Pris Lemons.
Being immersed in a creative community at art school counteracted these feelings. “The narrative in my head of ‘you don’t belong somewhere because of your queerness’ was immediately challenged by being around people who were like me,” Pris continues. “I felt like I belonged with them and that we belonged in this space. My friends encouraged me to express myself freely and queerly. If a queer kid out there happens to see my work, I hope it lets them know that there is a place for them too.”
There are lots of factors which can make someone feel isolated at any age. Whether it’s a high school classroom or an art school studio, creative environments often double as safe spaces, making those inside feel part of a like-minded community.
Soothing Minds
At Make Bank, we have gathered lots of stories about how makers use their craft to improve their mental well-being. Never underestimate making as a therapeutic activity.
Silversmith Jane Bullivant has struggled with her mental health for as long as she can remember. “When I was younger, the only word I can think of to describe me was ‘lost’. I suffer from a type of anxiety that prevents me from learning things the normal way. As a result, high school was not a great experience for me,” she explains. “I used art as a coping method. When I draw, I can escape even if only for a little while. It is the only time when I feel completely in control.”
Artist and musician Tommy Perman began struggling with his mental health at a slightly older age when he first went to university. “I had a tough time settling into art school life. I suffered from depression in my second year, just like many of the students I have taught since,” he recalls. “Art school can be a tough place as it is a time to question your identity. It forces you inwards; when many of us are quite introspective anyway. Luckily, my passion for creativity remained a constant throughout. I have always dealt with things by making.”
“Making things gives me a way of communicating that we just can’t do verbally.”
- Orla Stevens
Creativity can be a lifesaving outlet when someone is struggling with their mental health. It is vital that everyone has the opportunity to experience this. As illustrator Orla Stevens says so eloquently, “Making things gives me - and so many others - a way of communicating that we just can’t do verbally. That is why creativity has to be accessible to everybody.”
Being introduced to the magic of making can improve mental health, build confidence and offer a sense of community. This is the true value of creativity.
The problem is we are not all given equal access to art. An individual’s social and economic background can majorly influence how likely they are to be introduced to creative outlets. That’s why it is so important that art is taught in schools. It levels the playing field and introduces everyone, no matter their background, to creativity and all the benefits that come with it.
Whether it leads them to a glittering career, connects them with like-minded friends, shines a spotlight on their hidden talent or offers them a fun way to soothe their mind, the benefits of creativity should be open to every young person. Everyone deserves a creative education.
This article was originally written for Make Bank, a social project fighting against creative poverty.