Encouraging a Dynamic Relationship Between the Arts and Literacy

Abstract

This chapter addresses the ongoing tensions between the arts and literacy by illustrating how the association between the two can be dynamic and rewarding rather than competitive. We acknowledge a more inclusive definition of literacy as ‘interpretive and expressive fluency through symbolic form, whether aural/sonic, embodied, textual, visual, written or a combination of these within context’ (Barton, 2014a, p. 3). We then demonstrate how the key aims of the UNESCO Road Map for Arts Education [UNESCO. (2006). Road map for arts education. The world conference on arts education: Building creative capacities for the 21st century, Lisbon, 6–9 March 2006] uphold the human right to education and cultural participation; develop individual capabilities; improve the quality of education; and promote the expression of cultural diversity; and can be realized by highlighting the unique literate practices that underpin effective arts education programs and creative teaching and learning in schools. Finally, several contemporary examples of transformative arts and literacy learning and teaching will be shared to demonstrate how the relationship between arts and literacy should and can be seamless and flourish to enhance a more authentic notion of deep literacy and understanding in today’s increasingly global community.