Creativity is the highest of the higher order thinking skills. It is what human beings use to solve all problems. Artists are master problem solvers and art education does have much to contribute to the world.

Some countries have art education available to all children outside the academic setting. I think of the conservatoire in France for instance. Still, in places where all children are required to go to school, it makes sense to have art education be part of the curriculum. The United States is especially in need of the thinking that arts education develops.