The article is about arts education in Canadian schools, used as a tool for the development of students’ key competences. It is proven that arts education fulfils a lot of functions (develops individual capabilities, provides right to education and cultural participation, improves quality of education and the expression of cultural diversity) and has various benefits (intrinsic and extrinsic) for people. It contributes to overall development of students (moral, physical, cognitive, emotional etc.), enhances their motivation and academic success. The article shows that arts education is a powerful tool for developing Essential Graduation Learning- some of the key competences for school graduates: aesthetic expression, citizenship, communication, personal development, problem solving, technological competence, spiritual/moral development.
