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Imagine if education were artful: A vision for learning

DALL·E 2024 12 02 13.56.13 A vibrant and imaginative depiction of an artful learning environment, featuring colorful abstract shapes and elements symbolizing creativity, explora

The anthropologist Margaret Mead once said that education would never truly succeed unless it was grounded in art. She wasn’t talking about making kids draw pictures all day (although, wouldn’t that be fun?)—she meant that all subjects should be taught with the spirit of imagination, exploration, and play.

And then there’s Johann Goethe, the poet and philosopher, who chimed in with, “We talk too much. We should talk less and draw more.” Imagine if we took their advice to heart. What would education look like if it were infused with creativity and joy?

Picture a classroom where math problems were solved by crafting mosaics, where history was explored by reenacting ancient stories, and where science experiments felt like adventures into the unknown. Imagine if kids were encouraged to doodle their way through brainstorming sessions or sing their book reports.

The point isn’t to do away with structure or rigor—it’s about adding a spark of curiosity to the process. When we let imagination lead, learning becomes alive. Think about it: the most memorable lessons in life are rarely the ones where we were told to sit still and listen. They’re the moments when we got our hands dirty, asked big questions, and explored the answers in our own way.

Artful learning isn’t just for kids, either. As adults, we learn best when we’re engaged, inspired, and having fun. What if our workplaces embraced exploration and play as part of professional growth? What if we let go of the endless talking and did more creating?

Margaret Mead and Johann Goethe were onto something timeless. Art isn’t just a subject; it’s a way of thinking and being in the world. So let’s imagine an education system—and a world—that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and the sheer joy of discovery. What could we create together if we did?

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