Why Art Matters: The Benefits of Art in Child Development

Kids and art should always go hand in hand.

A sad but growing trend in schools around the world is the reduction of funding and time allocated to artistic education. Too often, decision-makers regard the arts as optional—or worse, a luxury. This is alarming because art is as essential to a child’s development as reading and writing.

Creative expression helps children grow into confident, curious, and capable individuals. It’s vital that children not only learn to appreciate art in all its forms but also feel empowered to explore and develop their own artistic abilities.

🎨 The Importance of Art in Child Development

Art is more than a fun activity—it’s a powerful tool for learning and growth. Creative experiences support everything from self-esteem to problem-solving, helping children develop skills that last a lifetime.

🌟 Real-Life Benefits of Art for Kids

Whether it’s music, drawing, acting, or dance, artistic experiences teach children real-world skills such as:

• Critical and creative thinking

• Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills

• Social skills like sharing, taking turns, and collaborating

• Persistence and resilience through problem-solving

Studies show that students who spend time creating art learn to invest in a project from start to finish—building higher-level thinking skills along the way. Art also encourages kids to notice their environment: the colours around them, the textures of materials, and the creative possibilities of everyday tools.

💡 How Art Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem

When a child pours their heart into an artwork and completes it, the sense of accomplishment is profound.

As arts educator Dory Kanter explains:

“The arts are a great leveler, as we are all in the same boat, learning to create and succeed in new and unexpected ways. Children develop skills of self-reflection in the effort to bring their personal vision to fruition.”

This reflective process nurtures confidence, self-awareness, and pride in personal creativity.

📚 Art and Academic Success

Integrating art with other subjects has been shown to boost student engagement and achievement. According to Americans for the Arts:

“Young people who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair, or to win an award for writing than children who do not participate in the arts.”

Art doesn’t just complement education—it strengthens it.

🧠 Art and Brain Development in Children

Unlike spelling, there’s no single “right answer” in art. Unlike maths, there’s no fixed formula. Art encourages children to experiment with unique solutions, which stimulates new neural growth in developing brains.

Through art, kids learn to:

• Concentrate on detail

• Pay attention to their environment

• Think creatively and divergently

In fact, art functions like a form of meditation for children, improving focus and emotional regulation. It’s no surprise that more adults are turning to colouring books as a mindfulness tool!

🔥 Keeping the Spark of Creativity Alive

Every child has an artistic fire inside them. This spark must be encouraged, nurtured, and protected throughout their childhood. The lifelong benefits—from confidence to brain development—are undeniable.

Unfortunately, with reduced school funding for the arts, parents and educators need to take extra steps to ensure creativity remains a central part of learning.

✨ Try Online Art Lessons with Artventure

If art is being neglected in your child’s school curriculum, you can still support their creativity at home. Artventure offers step-by-step online art lessons for kids, designed to make artistic education fun, accessible, and confidence-building.

👉 Start today with a free 48-hour trial and watch your child’s creativity spark to life. Even in that short time, you’ll see why art is essential and why its flame should never go out.