Holistic Art Education: Fostering Belonging, Self-Expression, and Social-Emotional Growth among Secondary Students in British Columbia

This literature review explores how holistic approaches to art education can foster belonging, self-expression, and social-emotional growth among secondary students in British Columbia. Drawing on research in art education, social-emotional learning, ethics of care, and Indigenous ways of knowing, this review examines how creative learning environments can support student wellbeing, identity development, and meaningful relationships. The findings here suggest that art education extends beyond technical skill development, offering valuable opportunities to cultivate inclusive and student-centred learning environments, while also identifying recommendations for educational practice and future research.