Perception of students and teachers of the plastic arts career about artistic freedom

Percepción de los estudiantes y docentes de la carrera de Artes Plásticas acerca de la libertad artística

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of students and teachers of the Plastic Arts career of the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí, regarding artistic freedom in the academic context. To this end, a structured survey was applied to a representative sample of both groups, with open and closed questions that allowed quantitative and qualitative opinions to be explored. The methodology was a mixed approach, combining descriptive statistical analysis with content interpretation. The results indicate that, although the majority of respondents positively value artistic independence as a fundamental pillar in their training and practice, tensions are also observed between individual expression and curricular or institutional demands. Teachers tend to perceive greater freedom than students, who sometimes feel impediments in terms of topics, techniques or approaches. It is concluded that there is a general recognition of the importance of artistic expression, but it is necessary to promote spaces for dialogue and curricular review that guarantee a balance between academic orientation and creative autonomy.