Summarised by Centrist
Art history will no longer be offered as a standalone subject in New Zealand secondary schools, with the government citing curriculum changes that aim to streamline Years 11–13.
Instead, aspects of the subject will be taught within other visual arts programmes such as design, painting and photography.
The decision comes after years of low participation. Just over 1,000 students sat art history at Year 13 in 2024, and 763 at Year 12. The subject was once available at Year 11 but was dropped under previous changes.
Education Ministry spokesperson Pauline Cleaver said the cut ensures students “continue to engage meaningfully with historical artworks, artists and cultural movements, while developing practical and analytical skills” through specialist visual arts subjects.
The New Zealand Art History Teachers Association called the decision “a profound loss,” saying it deprives students of training in critical thinking, visual analysis, research and writing.
Oscar-winning director Dame Jane Campion, who studied art history at school, called the decision “a terrible, tragic idea,” saying the subject helped her discover a passion for film.
“Students like myself deserve a chance to discover themselves [and] find something they feel passionate about,” she said.
Internationally, similar debates have surfaced. In the United Kingdom, plans to cut art history in 2016 were reversed after opposition from teachers and academics.
A petition to reinstate art history is being prepared.
Image: Joe Hunt
