President Weah urged to introduce arts education to Liberian schools

The call was made by popular Liberian media personality Master Queen. Arts education, she said, would be of benefit to aspiring musicians, fine artists and filmmakers.

“The introduction of arts education in our education system will enhance students’ creative thinking and self-confidence,” she said. “This will lead to the development of the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning of students as a result of early musical training.

"Arts education will help our students’ poor performance in math, reading, cognitive ability and verbal skills. The teaching of arts in school is essential to protect and revitalise the practice of culture and traditional norms and develop the talents of professional creative individuals.

"When students participate in arts education, it helps them to develop a stronger sense of individualism, self-reflection and self-esteem. Student participation in art activities helps them learn to commit to a task, prepare themselves emotionally, physically and mentally and work toward the goals of mastering and sharing their skills.”

While arts education is not compulsory in Liberia, the subject is taught voluntarily in some schools across the country. According to Kenneth Y Best's Cultural Policy in Liberia, arts education reached its peak in the late 1970s on a voluntary basis but with an emphasis on cultural performance.

“The problem with this situation is the devaluation of Liberia’s tradition and cultural norms which were not the case in 1970 when arts education was taught in school,” Master Queen said, adding that Liberia was lacking sufficiently trained creative individuals to help the development of the country's creative industries.

“This country is blessed with talented people but many of them are not trained in their craft and as a result their works always have some shortcomings,” she said.

“But things will be different when arts education is introduced across the country. Therefore, it is time for President Weah to see reason and introduce Liberian children to drama, music, filmmaking, painting and art galleries.”

Even as Weah, who recently opened a theatre and modern studio, has spoken about the creative industries since coming to power, Master Queen made a direct call to his office.

“Our creative talent is a precious national resource and it should not be neglected and left to die painfully," she said. "This is the reason I’m calling on the president to introduce art education in Liberian schools. It's a move which will help the nation to adequately prepare its next generation of actors, musicians, writers, designers and many more. The time is now and not tomorrow."