The Arts Council and the Department of Education and Science have released a new publication, Artists~Schools Guidelines, to encourage artists and teachers to work together and promote creativity in learning.
Education and creativity go hand in hand, was the message delivered by Minister for Arts John O'Donoghue and Minister for Education Mary Hanafin yesterday at the launch of one arts-in-education initiative and the celebration of another.
Ms Hanafin called on educators to begin "removing the barrier" that may separate art and education in many schools.
"Artists by their nature break down barriers," she said. "Real education involves creativity."
The Creative Engagement project, set up by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals in 2005, grants up to €5,000 per school for art education.
Art projects under this scheme have taken place in 21 post-primary schools, and the association is planning to run the scheme again in the next school year.
Gerry Pollard, a photographer speaking at the launch, said the "spirit of volunteerism has stretched this money a very long way", yet if the scheme is to continue to grow to all schools and age levels, it needed to be resourced even more.
Mr O'Donoghue said education was not complete without the arts, which open "a whole new world of imagination, expansion, creativity and sheer pleasure" that enrich the lives of each student.
A class from each of the 21 schools was on hand to accept a certificate from the Ministers honouring their achievements. The students have been making their own original artworks in all media, from videos to mosaics, throughout the current school year.
For a free copy of the Artists~Schools Guidelines, call 01-6180200 or e-mail louise.fullam@artscouncil.ie