Arts Count!

Abstract

Schools are facing a restriction of funds and time for providing arts and culture programs. The focus on PISA evaluated lessons marginalises arts and culture education. As a result people often complain about the absence of promotion of young talents in school, which should be provided to sustain Austria as a cultural nation.

However, EDUCULT has shown in its study „Vielfalt und Kooperation“ (2007) that there is a enormous number of cultural projects in schools from theatre, classical concerts, school bands, multi-media and contemporary-art projects up to intercultural programs.

So how is the current situation for real in Austrian schools for arts education – is it frustrated and marginalised – or is it vital and versatile?

For this reason EDUCULT was asked by the Ministry of Arts and Education to survey the current situation of arts education in Austrian schools.

Approach

The survey is based on an online questionnaire, adapted for   the different school types in Austria. The questionnaire will be send to the school principals. The research process is divided into 3 phases, comparable with the school types:

1. Autumn 2008 – Secondary School I

2. Autumn 2009 – Primary School

3. Autumn 2010 – Secondary School II

Main categories of the questionnaire will be resources, status of arts education, variety of arts education and co-operations between schools and arts institutions.

Further information is available in German (Projektinformationen).