2nd UNESCO World Conference on Arts Education

By Andrea DeCosta

Arts in education as key to international relations, is the latest UN pitch in advance of the 2010 World Conference being held next week in Seoul. 

The event, held May 25-28, 2010, in South Korea’s capital city, is sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). UNESCO, which sponsored an earlier 2006 conference in Lisbon, has built upon those original ideals, promoting shared goals, challenges and best practices in the area of arts education. 

Created more than half a century ago, UNESCO is the United Nations response to nuclear proliferation and militarism, answering the UN’s Constitutional call to defend mankind through enlightenment of the mind. 

This year’s theme focuses on how “arts and culture are connecting threads that weave into a global fabric” – touting arts in education as the 21^st century salvo for what ails our world governments. Who knew that the path to world peace was as close as a box of Crayola crayons. 

Through an adept pairing of creative expression and education, artists, professionals and activists seek to enhance global appreciation for cultural diversity. It is their belief that this dynamic duo will ultimately lead to improved international relations – and, yes, world peace for all of humanity. 

The University of Hawaii Manoa motto, “Maluna a‘e o na lahui a pau ke ola ke kanaka”, “Above all nations is humanity”, speaks to these UN ideals. 

But, can arts integrated into education really improve our lives and could it be the key to world peace? Quite possibly. 

Case studies conducted in advance of the 2010 Conference may provide the link between art and a peaceful society.

In Lithuania, a combination of ministerial and municipal level partnerships between national youth, arts and tourism centers, and NGO’s have been shown to be effective in fostering “creativity and expression”. The early results appear to suggest that art in education works to promote “cultural awareness and knowledge of the local environment and community” – one step in the direction of peace.

Maybe it is only one small step for man - but it represents one potential leap for mankind. 

Honolulu, the island of Oahu, represents a multitude of diverse communities, but the overall trend is toward an appreciation for culture, the community, and the environment. An appreciation for cultural diversity is what makes Hawaii great, and artistic expression of this diversity enhances our sense of community. 

Perhaps any education is good, that’s what our elected officials would have us believe. But an education that also supports the ideals of a peaceful society, now that’s an education to be cherished. Here’s to taking the leap and the holistic benefits of a creative education.