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CHAPTER  

1 

APPRECIATING AND VALUING DIVERSITY IN 

TEACHING VISUAL ARTS: GOALS AND METHODS 
 

 

Godwin Ogbu Uka 

Department of Fine and Applied Arts,  

University of Nigeria, Nsukka 

 

 

Keywords: Teaching visual Arts, valuing diversity and appreciation, goals and methods  

 

Introduction 

The value of diversity and differences in the visual arts practice, research and education 

can best be experienced and appreciated by a clear understanding of what visual art means. 

"Visual arts" is a broad category of art which includes several artistic disciplines from various 

sub-categories. Visual art encompasses all aspects of fine and applied, which include activities, 

such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, graphics art, ceramics, fashion, and textile, glass 

design, with associated activities like manuscript illustration, book illustration, calligraphy, 

printmaking and architecture. Visual art also encompasses some decorative art disciplines and 

crafts: ceramics and studies in pottery, mosaic art, mobiles, tapestry, and glass art (including 

stained glass. The wider definition of visual art sometimes includes applied art areas such as 

graphics design, textile, fashion design, glass design, industrial design and interior design new 

types of body art. These include tattoo art, face and body painting 

 

What is visual art? 

Visual art is about creating and making the general aesthetics of a work, to create the 

aesthetic style of any art. The elements and principles together form the building blocks of art 

and design and a firm understanding of them is crucial in creating visual design/art of any 

product. These are the main media through which designers and artists translate images and ideas 

into concrete terms. In man's visual communication experience everything large and small, 

natural or man-made can be described in terms of these elements. 

Visual art is constructed from very basic elements or components that we experience 

through our sense of sight and/or touch; namely, lines, two and/or three-dimensional shapes, 

textures, colours, dark and light qualities, and actual or implied space. For any analysis and 

criticism of any work of art, the following should be critically considered or looked into: 

 



Appreciating and valuing diversity in teaching visual arts: Goals and methods 

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• Should natural objects be considered as works of art?  

• Is art anything we want it to be, or does the term "art" refer to objects that have special 

characteristics?  

• What conditions need to exist before we are willing to classify something as art? An 

understanding of the above questions will help towards understanding what art is 

 

Diversity in Art teaching  

Fine and applied arts learning is an integral part of the society we live in. Art is part of 

the cultural heritage of every Nigerian. It is what makes us most human, and complete as people. 

The arts cannot be learned through occasional or random exposure any more than math or 

science can. Education and engagement in fine arts are an essential part of the school curriculum 

and an important component of the educational program of every student. Education in the arts is 

an integral part of the development of each human being.  

In any educational system there must be a wide array of diverse groups of people in the 

classroom, this is so because it creates a realistic setting and also encourages students to grow 

outside their boundaries and learn something new about a culture, and any other subject they 

may not be familiar with. In any fine arts class diverse group of students exists, it is important to 

recognize the fact that all students are unique in their way in terms of creativity and innovation. 

Their differences could consist of their reading level, physical ability, cultural background, 

personality, religious beliefs, and others. There has always been diversity in any setting, 

especially in an art studio or classroom environment, it is important to embrace it and make 

positive use of it.  

The authorities and teachers should value diversity, and the need to model the attitude of 

their students need is important. The values of diversity in fine arts need to be recognised and 

people should respect the fact that students are different and that these differences are generally a 

good thing. For example, when attempting to solve a problem, it is better to bring together a 

diverse team with many skills and many different ways of approaching the problem than it is to 

bring together a team that has all its strength concentrated in one area. Sufficient data exists to 

overwhelmingly support the belief that study and participation in fine and applied arts is a key 

component in improving learning throughout all academic areas.  

Is the study of Fine Arts important?  

The study of fine and applied arts is so important because of the benefits associated with 

it. They engage many areas of the brain and also have far-reaching effects on the learner’s mind 

(Jensen, 2001). The arts promote the understanding and sharing of culture.  They promote social 

skills that enhance the awareness and respect of others. The fine arts enhance perceptual and 

cognitive skills. The Burton study of more than 2000 children found that those in the arts 

curriculum were far superior in creative thinking, self-concept, problem-solving, self-expression, 

risk-taking, and cooperation than those who were not (Burton et al., 1999).   

An effective education in the fine arts helps students to see what they look at, hear what 

they listen to, and feel what they touch. Engagement in the fine arts helps students to stretch their 

minds beyond the boundaries of the printed text or the rules of what is provable. The arts free the 

mind from rigid certainty. Imagine the benefits of seeking, finding, and developing multiple 



New contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

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solutions to the myriad of problems facing our society today! These processes taught through the 

study of the arts, help to develop the tolerance for coping with the ambiguities and uncertainties 

present in the everyday affairs of human existence. There is a universal need for words, music, 

dance, and visual art to give expression to the innate urgings of the human spirit. (Eisner, 

1987)  The premier organizations in the corporate world today recognize that the human intellect 

“draws from many walls.” Arts education gives access to the deepest of those walls 

 

Creativity and innovation  

The act of creativity can be seen as that which provides the urge for continuing 

exploration and discovery. Creativity is more closely related to thinking abilities and to 

attitudinal development. It is a continual process for which the best preparation involves 

creativity itself. Every child is born creative. The urge to explore, investigate, and discover, what 

is on the other side of the screen is not limited to human behaviour, but is experienced by the 

whole animal kingdom, (Low field and Brittan 1975). One of the most commonly agreed-upon 

components of creative thinking is the ability to produce a large number of ideas. In a general 

sense, the idea of creativity means different things to different people in the world. 

Creativity exists everywhere in people’s life. It can be found in designing and packaging, 

processing and production, fabric and fashion, sign and architectural design, applied science and 

technology, visual arts, theatre, music, film (video production) and a host of other activities. 

Creativity in the modern dispensation is used as a powerful tool to attract attention to a nation or 

country's powerful endowment. Creativity can be meaningful to an individual if it is 

ideologically and culturally inclined. Runco (1994) opines that creativity is in terms of cognitive 

processes that lead to an original and adaptive insight, idea or solution. Thus, creativity is the 

most essential of all human resources and skills (Bolaji 2007). Akinboye (2004) sees creativity 

as a tool that propels organizations, catapults careers, and generate potent growth and viable 

outcomes.  

Creativity is at the heart of art and design, at all stages throughout the design process. The 

most exciting and challenging design is that which is truly innovative; the creation of a radical 

departure from anything currently on the market (Baxter, 1995). The more people try to define 

creativity by identifying with specific sets of values, meanings, beliefs, and symbols, the more 

our creativity will be focusing on how values, meanings, beliefs and symbols are formed, and the 

greater the chance that our creativity will become less restricted ( Bolaji 2007). 

One major way to spark creativity is through exploration, exploring exposes one to new 

things. New things are inspiring, while exploring one might stumble across a new way of doing 

something, a new thing to do, or something more subtle. Sometimes one uncovers a bit of 

information that clicks with things he has been thinking about and completes (or helps to 

complete) the picture he has been developing in his mind. Other times one may discover a tool, a 

process or an approach that others are using which is unrelated but still inspiring in its ingenuity. 

In general, exploration can fuel one's creativity.   

Creativity is a term that is often used indiscriminately. Distinctions are not made between 

"making," "producing" or "creating" works of art. Students are expected to create such works 

whenever they are engaged in art activities. "Creative self-expression" is a very common phrase 

in art education discourse. It implies that when students are expressing reactions to their own 



Appreciating and valuing diversity in teaching visual arts: Goals and methods 

4 

 

experiences they are being creative ... even though what they produce may be very similar to 

what they have produced before or to what their peers "create". 

 

What can teachers do to encourage, value, and promote diversity? 

Fine arts practice requires that design students be provided with an environment that is 

conducive to learning both theoretical and practical skills. The society people find themselves in 

is more diverse, students must learn to value and use diversity for the greater good. In any setting 

valuing diversity should be a thing of concern to all to create an environment where each student 

feels valued and respected. To value diversity, it is necessary: 

 

• Take time to learn about students' backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.  

o This will allow the creation of an environment that is conducive to each student. 

• Allow time for the students to learn about each other and gain an appreciation for the 

diversity they bring to the classroom.  

o Students should be reminded how boring it would be if all were alike and there 

was no difference 

o Students should be aware that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. When 

working as a team students should be encouraged to take advantage of the 

strengths of the team members to produce the best possible results in any they do. 

o Bring in different people to the class as resources that students might be able to 

connect with.  

o Search out people that are different from each other and that might share certain 

qualities with other students. 

o Students need role models. Many times when they see they are connected in some 

way to a person they will be more apt to listen and learn from them. 

• Never tolerate bullying, teasing, and other put-down behaviour at any time in the 

classroom/studio.  

o Implement a "zero tolerance" for anything disrespectful, hurtful, or intolerant of 

diversity. 

 

 

Research is a highly valued activity in that being engaged in legitimate fine art and 

design-making task implies that one is also engaged in worthwhile research activities. The value 

of diversity, therefore, is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing 

environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to 

embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.   

 

Enhancing our capacity to deal creatively with diversity 

Enhancing our capacity to deal creatively with diversity and helping ourselves 

collectively tap into the incredible richness that awaits us there. A tremendous amount of 

wisdom, know-how and methodology exists on this subject already, albeit not as well integrated 

as we might like. So we all have adventures to undertake to help develop it and weave it 

together. Students do have differences which can be categorised into primary and secondary 



New contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

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types of diversity. The first is visible differences such as gender, ethnic origin, and age fall into 

the primary category; whilst less obvious differences such as class, sexuality, disability and work 

style come under the secondary category. Research work on the issue of diversity should be 

focused on the positives and strengths of difference as well as the problems. It engages with and 

understands the totality of people’s identity and experience, and in addition, recognizes and 

confronts experiences of oppression and discrimination and their impact on the individual. Many 

differences occurring within behaviour, lifestyles, customs and habits embrace traditions going 

back generations and these are often encapsulated in what we know as culture. Lemos and Crane 

(DoH, 2001) highlighted a lack of cultural awareness and unequal treatment in service delivery. 

Diversity is a concept that embraces a wide range of characteristics including: 

 

• language 

• ‘race’ 

• ethnic background 

• dress 

• values 

• age 

• gender 

• educational background 

• religious observances 

• political interests 

• notions about social and community responsibilities 

• economic status 

• mental, physical disabilities 

 

Diversity, or difference, is a central feature of modern existence, partly because of interaction 

between cultures; maybe for historical reasons; and can be through the growth of international 

communications technology. As a result, we have to be aware and accepting of differences if we 

want to reap the benefits that naturally flow from diversity. We are living in a society that is 

ethnically and culturally diverse and services must reflect this. This is important in an art 

environment that better reflects the lives of different people and sections of the society. In the 

same way that cultures interact with each other, diversity brings new skills and fresh ideas. We 

are all different from each other and it is these differences that have a penetrating value and 

direct pertinence to the workplace. 

 

The key elements of working with diversity and discrimination are: 

• That discrimination is often, subtle, unintentional and cumulative 

• That people often respond to being told they are discriminatory by being defensive, 

dismissive, denying, disregarding or downgrading 

• That discrimination can be active or passive. Doing nothing in some situations can be as 

damaging as actively discriminating 

• That people are multi-dimensional. They are not just a race or gender but have an age, 

class, sexuality, and educational experience. All these things will affect who they are. 



Appreciating and valuing diversity in teaching visual arts: Goals and methods 

6 

 

• There are often hidden elements to our own and others' diversity; sexuality, dyslexia, a 

particular faith 

• The impact of people's differences on others, remembering that we are as different from 

others as they are of us, and power relationships arising 

• Recognizing and celebrating the strengths and positives of diversity is so important in our 

society. 

 

Educational values of art 

In general education, art contributes to the development of a very important area of 

literacy by cultivating abilities to utilize a non-verbal language of expression and 

communication. Art plays an essential role in supporting and changing culture. It enhances 

almost everything that humans manufacture. Art is so important in our personal lives and as 

fundamental as a vehicle of expression and communication that individuals and societies could 

hardly exist without it. So students should take due advantage of this involvement in the art to 

contribute to cognitive development and their growth and well-being.  

 

Conclusion 

Appreciating and valuing diversity in teaching visual arts starts with a clear 

understanding of its fundamentals, it is necessary to nurture an appreciation and value of art, and 

to demonstrate that visual art is an extraordinary phenomenon, that is essential to the well-being 

of the individual and society. The value of diversity and differences can then be appreciated by a 

clear understanding of what visual art means. Visual art is an integral part of society, and 

education engagement in art activities is an essential part of the school curriculum which when 

acquired helps in human development. The value and diversity in teaching the visual arts need to 

be recognized and respected. Art provides the learner with non-academic benefits such as 

promoting self-esteem, motivation, aesthetics, awareness, creativity, innovation and emotional 

expression as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity. Fine art and design practice 

by nature requires that students be provided with an environment that is conducive to learning 

both theoretical and practical skills. Education in every society is a very important factor to the 

cultural and artistic development of the society.  

Art, therefore, contributes to the development of a very important area of literacy by 

cultivating abilities to utilize a nonverbal language of expression and communication. Art plays 

an essential role in supporting and changing culture. There are benefits associated with this 

dispensation that are rooted in exploration and innovation. Thus, there are far-reaching benefits 

for any developing nation that makes creativity the centre of its philosophical ideology. 

Methodologies that aid the exploration and discovery of potentials, and problem-solving ability 

which allows the learner the opportunity for creativity should be the focus of any educational 

endeavour or curriculum transformation. The need for a paradigm shift from theoretical and 

paper certification to a practical application of knowledge necessary for future employment and 

skill development in the art and design for self-employment is very necessary for African 

development.  

There are benefits associated with this dispensation that is rooted in visual art and design 

teaching in Nigeria's higher institutions which is through exploration and innovation. Thus, there 



New contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

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are far-reaching benefits for any developing nation that makes creativity the centre of its 

philosophical ideology.  

 

 

 

 

References 

 

Akinboye, J. O. (2004) Creativity, Innovation and Success, Ibadan-Nigeria: Stirling - Hordens 

Publishers Nigeria Ltd.  

 

Anya, A.O. (1982) The Environment of Isolation. The Ahiajoku Lecture, Ministry of 

Information, Owerri, Nigeria 

 

Baxter, M.R. (1995) Product Design. Practical Methods for the Systematic Development of New 

Products, New York: Chapman and Hall  

 

Bolaji, S.D. (2007) Akinpelu’s Educational Philosophy and its Implication to Educational 

System in Nigeria, Unpublished Master’s Thesis Submitted to the Department of 

Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos  

 

Lower Field and Brittan, L. (1995) Creative and Mental Growth, New York: Macmillan 

Publishing Co. Inc.  

 

Murray, J. (1966) Introduction to African Art, London: Camelot Press Ltd. 

 

Rodney, W. (1982), how Europe Underdeveloped Africa, Enugu, Nigeria: Ikenga Publishers 

 

Runco, A. M. (1994) Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, New York: Academic Press Inc. 

 

 

 


