An evaluation of the effects of arts education activities on the education environment taking place at institutions of higher art education

In this research, the aim is to identify arts education activities taking place at institutions of higher art education and to observe the effects of these activities on the educational environment. The quality, contribution and effect of these artistic activities on the education of art and education environment are evaluated by the academics and the undergraduate students.Research area is framed by Gazi University, Department of Fine Arts Teaching, Painting Teaching Programme which involves mostly of graduate students and academics currently working at the Department, as well as 240 undergraduates of Gazi University, Department of Fine Arts Teaching, Painting Teaching Programme during 2008-2009. In this light, questionnaires and interviews are carried out.One-way variance analysis test, Anova, is used during the analysis of the data. Comments are made on the outcoming data analysises. Moreover, qualitative data is quantified and analyzed according to the frequency and percentage rates of the problems and sub-problems of the research. Through the questionnaires directed towards the undergraduate students, content analysises are carried out.During the research, interview tecniques are used in the collection of qualitative data. Interview forms are distributed to academics and the obtained data is interpreted.At the end of the research, it is conducted that in order for arts education activities to achieve their anticipated benefits, they should both arrange qualified activities and raise interest.Finally, the researcher puts forward suggestions based on the emerging problems.Keywords: University, Art, Art Education, Activity, Art Activity.