Art and culture can encourage students to take part in civic life

Research increasingly suggests that art and culture are not merely enjoyable pastimes. Professional art can create emotional resonance and help people develop empathy, while also supporting a deeper mutual understanding. At the same time, it enables individuals to recognize their own role and responsibility within society.

Aija Tūna, the head of the "Latvian School Bag" programme, points out that culture and civic participation are inseparably connected. In her view, cultural events can serve as an important tool for young people to reflect on their place in society and on the ways they can influence ongoing developments.

This approach means that experiencing culture at school can be much more than a supplement to the curriculum. It can become a foundation for reflecting on values, community and democratic engagement. When children and young people encounter different art forms, they learn to empathize with the experiences of others and understand different perspectives, which is essential for a cohesive and inclusive society.

The programme leader's observation highlights the potential of cultural education — not only to shape aesthetic taste, but also to nurture active and conscientious citizens. The question of how art can foster young people's involvement in current social processes is becoming increasingly important in discussions about the future of education and cultural policy.