Multiple Literacies in the Arts

"The more fluent we become in the language of art, the more it can tell us about our society, about our world, about history, and most importantly perhaps, about ourselves." - Eileen Prince, 2002


"The language of art is not only helpful when trying to understand what an artist is trying to say, however; art can also teach us about our origins. It can illuminate our study of science and math, improve our grasp of history, add dimension to the creation and understanding of literature and music, and even grant us insights into economics and politics. Conversely, a knowledge of the languages of other disciplines can add immeasurable depth to the study of art. Art does not exist in a vacuum. It is vitally affected by technology, history, philosophy, literature, politics, and so on." - Eileen Prince, 2002


The Power of Integration

If the arts promote and support the development of multiple literacies, how can the arts be effectively integrated into other subject areas for optimal learning?


This Wiki has been divided into categories that address the question above; Conflicts, Barriers and Other Implications, Integrating the Arts (providing some concrete examples of how the Arts can be integrated with various other subjects), Interdisciplinary Studies linked to the Arts, the Arts and Special Education, and Suggested Articles and Summaries related to the topic of Arts Integration supporting multiple literacy development. Please refer to each category listed on the left sidebar.


Video Viewing - To Think About

Do Schools Kill Creativity? Creating an education system that nurtures creativity.

"Intelligence is diverse (we think visually, in sound, kinesthetically, in abstract terms and in movement). Intelligence is dynamic and interactive (creativity comes about through the interaction of different disciplinary ways of seeing things). Intelligence is distinct (how people discover their talent)." - Sir Ken Robinson, 2006.


Literacy is not just about reading and writing, it is so much more especially now in the 21st century. Multiple literacies encompass the traditional forms of reading and writing, as well as media, art, mathematical, digital, information, and critical literacy, among many more. Supporting and nurturing the growth of creativity and development of multiple literacies will help prepare our students for a life long journey of being critical thinkers, problem solvers, higher order thinkers, and the creative minds and innovators of the future.