kunstfag

Kunstfag is a collective term used in Norwegian education to refer to the arts subjects taught in schools. It covers disciplines that explore human creativity, expression, and cultural understanding through practical work and reflection. In common usage, kunstfag encompasses visual arts (billedkunst), design and crafts (forming og håndverk), music (musikk), and drama, with some programs including dance.

The aims of kunstfag are to develop students’ ability to express ideas through various media, to cultivate aesthetic understanding and technical skills, and to foster collaboration and critical reflection. Students learn to observe, interpret, and evaluate artworks and performances, as well as to plan, produce, and present original work. Knowledge of art traditions, media, and cultures is also developed, alongside digital tools and contemporary practices.

Teaching in kunstfag typically combines hands-on studio work with project-based learning and cross-disciplinary connections to other subjects. Assessment often includes practical projects, exhibitions, performances, and portfolios, along with written reflections and self-assessment to document process and growth.

Policy context: kunstfag is part of the national curriculum in many Norwegian schools, though the exact subjects and names may vary by county and school. The field has seen reforms emphasizing creativity, digital media, inclusion, and the integration of arts across the curriculum.

See also: visual arts, music education, drama education, design and craft.