Art Integration in Education: NEP’s Goal for Students from Nursery to Grade 12
The New Education Policy (NEP) introduced by the Government of India underscores the importance of incorporating art into education across all grades, from nursery to grade 12. This progressive approach, outlined during the Melody in Motion program in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, aims to integrate artistic mediums into learning to nurture refined, sensitive individuals who appreciate the value of art.
Art Integration: A Core NEP Initiative
Sharabari Banerjee from the Department of Art and Aesthetics in Education, NCERT, New Delhi, highlighted the NEP’s vision during the event organized by the Child Rights Observatory and its Music and Dance Teachers Forum.
Key Points Shared by Banerjee:
- Art should be integrated into all academic subjects, promoting a dialogue between disciplines.
- The objective is not to turn students into artists but to enhance their sensitivity and appreciation of art.
- Teaching-learning materials should connect with local art forms and artists for authenticity.
Banerjee also emphasized the role of NCERT in developing resources that support this initiative, ensuring a structured and impactful implementation of art integration.
Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Rashmi Saraswat, Secretary of the Child Rights Observatory, addressed practical challenges:
- Resource Limitations: Smaller private schools struggle due to financial constraints and limited government support.
- Parental Priorities: Many parents prioritize mainstream academics over arts education.
To address these issues, Saraswat announced a dedicated workshop for teachers on art integration, scheduled for March-April 2025, with actionable recommendations to be implemented in the upcoming academic year.
Collaborative Efforts for Art Education
The program, coordinated by Sunil Shukla, featured school principals, performing artists, music and dance teachers, and educators from diverse disciplines. Collaborative initiatives, such as workshops and performances, are being developed to experiment with innovative methods for art integration.
This renewed focus on art aims to bridge gaps between artistic expression and academics, ensuring holistic development for students. The NEP’s art integration initiative is a step forward in creating a well-rounded, culturally enriched education system for the future.
