THE RELEVANCE OF THE VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN CURRICULUM IN EDUCATION AND PRACTICE

Abstract

The paper deals with the issue of the role and relevance of visual arts and design as a subject, in the context of the planning and development of a viable and an articulate education course curriculum. It has been the focus of the attention and the discourse amongst professionals and educators alike, for these past few years. The above mentioned role, context and relevance are best exemplified by pointing out the context that is embedded in the methodological and technological content, and the implications for industry, a role which is predicated by the actions, the principles and the purpose of the circumstance under review. The paper states that this context refers to the debate which surrounds the use of a specific language format, one that will eventually determine the interpretation of such a language / subject matter that is under deliberation. Furthermore, we emphasize the issue of relevance or relevancy which implies or signifies the appropriateness of the need and urgency of an articulate course curriculum development for a discipline such as that of the visual arts and design. The paper points out to the need to harmonize ‘teaching’ with what is being taught (i.e content) and the ‘preaching’ or the ‘theory’. Unfortunately, there is a serious gap between theory and the practice. The paper also stresses the need for a different attitude towards a unique conceptual framework that is driven by technology, commerce and industry.