Resources for the teaching of Art and Social Justice

Through art, ideas, emotions and, in general, a vision of the world around us can be expressed. Likewise, it allows us to transmit the values, ideas and traditions inherent to a culture. As John Ruskin, British writer, art critic, sociologist, artist and social reformer said, “Art is the expression of society.”

As we well know, history is not only written in books or manuscripts, but we can also appreciate it embodied in the various artistic representations produced by humankind since the beginning of time. In addition, art has played an important role in the dissemination of the ideas that gave rise to the various social changes throughout history.

In this sense, the teaching of art is essential and necessary to develop students’ critical and reflective thinking about the current reality and the changes that are needed to live in a more just and inclusive society.

However, according to Ángeles Saura, member of the Chair, “the possibilities of exercising artistic education for social justice have yet to be developed. Education for Social Justice is education for a society in which rights and duties involve everyone. Art Education for Social Justice places art as a means through which these objectives are achieved ”.

Consequently, Art Education teachers have the responsibility and commitment to continue training critical citizens and aware of the urgent need to work for social rights.

Therefore, from the UNESCO Chair in Education for Social Justice we have compiled some resources that can be used in the classroom for the teaching of art and social justice. They can be accessed through our website.

We also encourage you to share your resources and recommendations. To do this, you can send us an email to catedraunesco.justiciasocial@uam.es.