Art as an educational tool to improve inner-health within the context of the organization Saturday Art Class in India

Abstract: This study examines how art is used as an educational tool to improve inner-health. The study is conducted in India to gain a cultural perspective different from Sweden. In the study, unstructured qualitative interviews are made mainly with volunteers from the organization Saturday Art Class, but also with the principal at the Sir J. J. Collage of Architecture. The interviews focus on the respondents view on: art as an educational tool, art as a tool to deal with inner-health and the respondent’s view on art and emotions from a cultural perspective. A thematic analyze is applied to understand and structure the collected material and John Dewey’s theory on art, education and experience is used as a theoretical framework when discussing the result. The study discusses what it is about art that makes it improve inner-health and how art, as an educational tool, can help shape both individuals and the society. In relation to the respondent’s experiences, earlier research and Dewey’s theoretical approach, the study identifies three different and co-related perspectives within the art practice that can help art teachers conduct their education for it to benefit inner-health among students, which are: the art practice in itself, reflection through an interactive dialogue and emotional aims. The study also discusses the connection between artistic freedom and democratic values as well as the role of the art teacher during the artistic practice. Lastly, the cultural context in India and SAC is compared to Swedish art education.