Museums offer one , if not the best form of arts education and arts history education we have today. We have a school system that systemically eliminates arts education programs, countered by a thriving museum community housing some of the greatest art works in the world. Yet the two exist on different planes. This discrepancy is ridiculous. The schools don't have the funds to bring school children to museums, which leaves only one other option. The museums must come to the schools. I am not suggesting that Getty bring their $75million dollar Irises by Van Gogh to the public schools. But why not a poster while sending out art educators and curators from the museums to talk and educate the children.
My daughter is currently studying Greek and Roman philosophy in her history class. There is absolutely no understanding this topic unless the art of that time is introduced also. Unless the children can see the grandeur and understand these amazing cultures by their art and architecture, they will never care, understand or appreciate them.
The museums must therefore make better efforts to reach out to the schools. The teachers need to coordinate their curriculum with the museums and the museums need to make an effort to help these teachers bring their subject matter to life through their collections. Only then can our students have a "well rounded education".
