Can art be taught to the facebook generation?

01 Jul 2009

In a break from the usual Intelligence Squared debate format, the panel each have a chance to share their views on the question "Can art be taught to the Facebook generation?"

Antony Gormley begins by arguing that there is a real hunger for art as a space of possibility amongst the generation of today. He claims that children are naturally artistic, but that this changes when they become teenagers, and that children need more encouragement from schools. Alain de Botton continues by arguing that we should assume the younger generation are similar to the older generation. He claims artists are looking to drive you in an emotional direction, to convert us to what is good and true, and that museums are our new churches. Camila Batmanghelidjh believes that the motion should not even have been proposed. She claims no one can teach art; they can only introduce children to materials. She continues by asking: "if children are not engaging with artworks, then is it the fault of the child or of adults?"

Grayson Perry declares that the Facebook generation can unquestionably be taught art, and that we should help students to judge what is good and beautiful. He believes that the Facebook generation will make art we cannot yet even imagine. However, he warns that fewer, and more talented, people should go to art school, rather than the number that currently do. Finally Stephen Bayley insists that it is arrogant to suggest the Facebook generation don’t spend enough time contemplating great artists. He believes that creativity cannot be taught, and that video games and technology are art, and are in many cases more complex art than older more traditional forms.

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