This thesis explores the value of study in the arts, as perceived by third year
students at the University of Waikato. The research consisted of two phases; an
initial survey of 200 students, studying both within and outside of arts disciplines,
and the second, in-depth interviewing of eight arts students. The inquiry focussed
on the value students perceive study in the arts to have, and also the value they
perceive others to ascribe to such study. In eliciting a unique perspective of
students, the study aimed to add commentary to ongoing debates about the value
of the arts, and about the value of studying the arts.
Discourses on the value of the arts often focus on the economic utility of the arts,
since they espouse creative and innovative qualities which positively add to the
economy. The value of the arts is also reported in terms of intrinsic benefits like
self-expression, as well as the benefits they can provide communities. However,
work in the arts is often reported as being at a deficit when it comes to issues of
employability. In addition, artists are often likened to outdated stereotypes.
Similar debates exist in relation to the arts in education. At school level, it seems
the arts are valued for intrinsic benefits, like cognition, and self-expression, and
for aiding achievement in all subjects. They are often also promoted for teaching
skills which are necessary for success in this day and age, including skills in selfconfidence,
creativity, and innovation. At the same time, a neoliberalist view
mandates that education, at tertiary level especially, should produce "skilled
workers" as a commodity for the economy. As such, arts disciplines are more
often compelled to justify their existence than other disciplines.
It was evident that research participants’ perceptions echoed some of these
debates. Through the emergence of several themes, it was clear that students felt
study in the arts was not well regarded by others. However, they took heart from
intrinsic, creative, and expressive benefits of their studies. Interest or passion
mainly motivated the pursuit to study in the arts. However, the imperative to find
a job was still a concern for research participants. Tension seems to exist between
the seeming need of an "outcome", which translates to a job, and the impulse to
create something that is uniquely, and personally, expressive.
While the non-tangible values were important to arts students, benefits of money
and career were perceived to be more important to outsiders. Students posited this
difference of opinion on misconceptions, and a lack of understanding about what
study in the arts entails. While perceiving others to have negative value judgments
about study in the arts, the students’ personal convictions, of the usefulness and
value of their studies, were not diminished. Those interviewed also suggested
three ways to possibly change negative value judgments: increasing
understanding, projecting positive stereotypes, and positioning the arts, at school
and at university, in such a way that they become respected, and sought-after,
avenues of study.
These, and other research findings, constitute a need for further inquiry. This
research has by no means covered all aspects of arts study, but it offers the insight
of a small group of students, at a certain place and time; experiences which may
well find echoes in larger settings.
