Art is universal because it transcends barriers which can exist in the spoken and written word. Through art, the common threads of humanity and cultural differences are recognized and appreciated. In a world which depends so much on accurate visual interpretation, learners need to interpret the visual experience through an understanding of other subject matter, symbols and ideas. The visual arts give balance to human existence. They are a means used to convey people's emotional reactions to others and the life around them.
Art permits people to express who they are and what they feel about the world they live in.
It establishes their identity in a particular place and at a particular time. They are a means of caring for and preserving the life of the human spirit. Because the nation's population is more diverse, understanding and communication across nations and cultures is essential. Students need to understand the function and structure of the visual arts, the relationship to human history and cultures, and the connections between the visual arts and other disciplines. It is studied for itself and for the profound effect it has on facilitating the learning of spatial concepts needed in architecture and geometry, and on the creativity which is essential to development in science and engineering.