This review examines the development of arts education and its relationship to the concept of creativity. Its aim is to provide a review of some of the key literature which explores arts education, its traditions and distinct subject issues, and how these either differ or overlap with more general writings on creativity. It has been conceived in three main sections: (i) history and traditions (ii) individual art forms and (iii) arts education and creativity.

This is part of a series of literature review produced by Creative Partnerships. The reviews are commissioned to introduce readers to the main principles, theories, research and debates in the field. They aim to introduce the major themes and writing pertaining to each area of study and to outline key trends and argument.