Ziegfeld and Marantz: Advocating for culturally inclusive art education

Edwin Ziegfeld’s (1905–1987) beliefs – that culturally inclusive art education fosters tolerance, appreciation, and mutual respect among diverse peoples – were influenced by his experiences prior to and during WWII. Circumstances during the war situated Ziegfeld in the unique position of working with international art educators to bring about and serve as first president of InSEA (International Society of Education through Art). Members of InSEA educate youth to respect their own cultural experiences, while appreciating the diverse cultural expressions of Others throughout the world. Kenneth Marantz (1927–2015) shared Ziegfeld’s vision. Yet, his concern that imposing the arts and art educational practices of a powerful mainstream society on less empowered groups within the United States marginalized the personhood and unique aesthetic contributions of people from less visible groups led him to found and serve as first president of the USSEA (United States Society for Education through Art). The ideals of these educators and societies have implications for art education today.