Written By
Courtney Johnson
Digital Content Specialist,
Grand Canyon Education
Arts education fosters creativity, critical thinking and cultural awareness. Explore why integrating the arts into learning enriches student development and prepares them with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Arts and Media on May 20, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Art education often takes a backseat in educational spending and priorities, yet it plays a vital role in nurturing students' lives, extending beyond the boundaries of traditional academic experiences.1 Engaging in the arts not only fosters creativity but can also equip students with essential life skills. Additionally, it can offer valuable opportunities for personal growth, professional development and academic enrichment.
To gain more insight into the benefits of art education and the objectives of drama and art in education, we spoke with Jared Trask. As a design instructor at Grand Canyon University and faculty advisor for The Creative Herd, Trask has “witnessed firsthand the powerful impact art has had on students' personal and academic growth.”
Trask goes on to say that he’s “observed how the performing arts excel in building confidence, communication skills and collaboration due to their inherent focus on public performance, ongoing practice and immediate audience feedback,” which are often objectives of drama and art in education.4
The impact of arts education on academic success can be viewed through different lenses. For many students, participating in artistic activities, whether they are a part of their program or not, can provide balance and support in their academic journey. As Trask states, “Students from diverse majors have consistently shared how engaging in artistic activities has significantly reduced their stress levels, boosted their confidence and helped them build resilience when facing academic challenges.” These benefits can also be correlated to improved focus, motivation and persistence while in an academic program.5
The arts foster welcoming and culturally competent learning environments that may enhance the educational experience for all. “The environment created through arts education supports varied learning styles, transcends language barriers and celebrates individual contributions, ultimately building a more cohesive, culturally aware student community,” says Trask. This environment can prepare students to engage thoughtfully in our diverse world.
The emphasis on collaboration and diversity in the arts can strengthen peer learning and create a sense of belonging in the classroom. A stable, supportive classroom can create a better learning environment and well-rounded learners.6
Embracing the creative process has taught me to approach problems through innovative and flexible strategies, leading to effective, out-of-the-box solutions in both professional and educational settings.
— Jared Trask Instructor, College of Arts and Media
Spark Personal, Professional and Academic Growth
Enroll in an arts degree at GCU.
Critically, arts education nurtures self-awareness and metacognition, empowering students to reflect deeply on their learning processes and creative decisions.
— Jared Trask Instructor, College of Arts and Media
Art education, whether the focus be dance, film, design or music, has much to offer creative learners. By engaging in the arts while pursuing academics, students develop not only technical skills but also life skills. “Arts integration isn't simply about artistic skills,” Trask explains. It is about creating well-rounded individuals equipped with emotional intelligence, a marketable skill set and the cultural competence to positively contribute to the workplace and our diverse world.
Personal growth is one area that reflects the importance of arts education. The arts offer a unique space for individuals to engage with their emotions, thoughts and identities in a reflective and expressive manner. Through the act of creating, students can better understand themselves and develop the tools to communicate that understanding with others.
Trask further discusses that while many other educational offerings, such as mathematics or science, typically focus on precise answers, the arts encourage students to think outside the box and search for different solutions to a problem.
When looking at personal growth, the arts can be seen as a bridge between internal experiences and external expression. “Artistic practice enhances visual-spatial intelligence and non-verbal communication, allowing students to explore and convey ideas through varied and nuanced forms,” Trask says. Whether a student chooses to focus on painting, digital design or the fine arts, they are given an outlet to perpetuate new ideas that might otherwise go unspoken, in a form that builds their intelligence.
Art education also provides a canvas for demonstrating individuality. “Artistic assignments provide a platform for students to share their personal narratives and diverse backgrounds organically, fostering mutual respect and cultural understanding,” explains Trask.
On a final note, to those questioning the importance of arts education, Trask says, “For those skeptical of its value, I encourage them to explore how creative abilities directly align with current workforce demands and trends in economic innovation.” In our modern world, fresh ideas and interdisciplinary thinking gained from art education can be as valuable in the workplace as they are in a theatre or on your screen.7
GCU offers the opportunity for artistic creatives to fully embrace their God-given talents through our array of clubs, facilities and program offerings. To learn more about our fine arts degree options, fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.
Whether you plan to enter a job related to an arts degree or not, you may wonder what benefits of art education can help you in your chosen field. For example, one may ask, Why is performing arts important? when considering entering a career in business or healthcare.
When discussing the importance of integrating the arts, Trask emphasizes that they offer a “proven role in developing essential 21st-century skills such as creative problem-solving, effective communication, collaboration and innovation,” as well as the opportunity to develop “visual communication, project management, critical analysis, adaptability and design thinking.” These highly transferrable skills are not only applicable to careers in the arts, but in other professional sectors.2
Artistic practice gained through academic programs can promote resilience and innovation. “For example, the resilience and innovative thinking fostered by artistic practice can prepare graduates to lead and adapt effectively in diverse roles, from educational settings and corporate leadership to entrepreneurial ventures,” Trask emphasizes. These experiences can help prepare students to not only respond effectively to challenges but also inspire solutions and lead with confidence in their careers.3
