Student Agency as a Driving Force in Revitalizing Local Culture through an Interdisciplinary Approach to Art History Learning

Abstract

The revitalization of local culture is becoming increasingly important in the era of globalization and digital technology, which often leads to cultural uniformity and weakens the connection of the younger generation to their traditions. Art education, which still focuses on techniques and aesthetic appreciation, also contributes to this problem, as students are rarely given the opportunity to actively explore their cultural heritage. This indicates a research gap: a lack of studies linking student agency namely students' voice, choice, and ownership in learning with efforts to revitalize culture through an interdisciplinary approach.This study aims to explore the role of student agency in revitalizing local culture through interdisciplinary art history learning. Using a literature review method analyzing 24 journal articles, both national and international, this study examines topics surrounding student agency, interdisciplinary learning, and community-based or digital art practices. The research findings reveal that when students are given agency, they can actively investigate, interpret, and communicate cultural heritage in new and relevant ways. The interdisciplinary approach, which connects art with fields such as anthropology and digital technology, helps students gain a deeper and more contextual understanding of culture. Overall, the integration of student agency in art education not only increases students' motivation, creativity, and cultural identity but also supports the sustainable preservation and revitalization of local culture.