The Education Officer (EO) for Visual Arts within the Ministry of Education is spearheading a renewed focus on arts education, asserting that the discipline is vital for developing critical thinking and opening up revenue potential for students.
Bernard Peters, who officially assumed the position on September 15th, told Observer media that his mandate covers both primary and secondary schools, focusing on the full scope of art and craft. His responsibilities include monitoring the visual arts program, overseeing the curriculum, and preparing documents to assist teachers, in addition to planning and organizing training workshops.
He said that the topic of visual arts has grown beyond simple drawing and coloring – noting the development of the field to include digital art, sculptural forms, 3D printing, and the influence of AI.
“I strongly believe that students can make a living with the visual arts and I plan to focus on allowing them to see this revenue potential,” he noted, adding that Antigua’s art has developed to the point where international visitors are coming to look at local creations.
Peters used the recent edition of Art Week to promote the importance of creativity, urging students to display their art and not to let anyone discourage them. He highlighted the main purpose of Art Week as showing the public the creative beauty that is present in Antigua and Barbuda.
The EO described the visual arts as a vital and essential component of the general curriculum, especially at the primary school level. He argued that creativity directly informs critical thinking skills, which are necessary for figuring out what material to use and the best way to get it done in a real-life situation.
“If you’re looking at innovation and persons creating things that are new, things that will benefit society, it is the creative person that does this,” he said, and emphasized that visual arts skills are essential for how students operate outside the classroom, linking the subject to the success of the hidden curriculum.
Peters also highlighted the importance of showcasing student talent, successfully arranging for artwork to be displayed in local business places such as ABI Insurance and Caribbean Union Bank, among others.
“This strategy is designed to move exhibitions out of traditional classrooms and galleries and demonstrate the art’s commercial value,” he noted.
The EO strongly encouraged businesses to invest in the nation’s young artists by purchasing their pieces, rather than using mass-produced prints. He believes this is the primary way to allow students to see the revenue potential and realize they can truly make a living from their creations.
Peters confirmed that the arts program is actively moving away from traditional gender norms where teachers assigned roles based on sex, and advises students to cultivate patience, listen to teachers, and actively research ideas to create something novel and unique.
In addition, the newly appointed official acknowledges the support and cooperation of all educators involved in the process.
To counter parental concerns about expenses associated with sourcing supplies, he encouraged the use of projects focused on recycling and reuse, such as creating collage from old magazines, or utilizing objects to produce beautiful artwork. He is further urging parents not to discourage their children, but to allow them to create.
Peters also issued an appeal for a nationwide drive, urging all stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and artists to partner with the Ministry of Education.
Anyone interested in the development of education by giving assistance to various schools is welcomed to conduct workshops or to submit new ideas.
The Visual Arts Officer can be contacted at the Ministry of Education by phone/WhatsApp at 778-9062.
