This paper summarises the conclusions of existing research literature on the impact of the arts on school attractiveness and students’ engagement with school. The literature review examines attractiveness in the eyes of different stakeholders in the educational field (students, families, teachers, school boards, etc.) and the conditions which may enhance such attractiveness and also identifies fields in which additional research may be needed.
The exercise resulted from a request presented to the EENC by the Directorate-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission, following the EU Council of Minister’s adoption of ‘Conclusions on Cultural and Creative Competences’ in November 2011 and with a view to forthcoming activities in the framework of the Council’s Work Plan for Culture 2011-14.
The literature review was prepared between November 2011 and February 2012 by EENC members Anne Bamford and Michael Wimmer.