Education in European countries is subject to many competing demands which have an influence on the organisation and content of arts education. Increasing globalisation has brought both benefits and challenges, including those arising from increased international competition, migration and multiculturalism, advancements in technology and the development of the knowledge economy. The education system may be viewed as a means of preparing children for their role in an increasingly uncertain world. Schools have a part to play in helping young people to develop a secure sense of themselves, both as individuals and members of various groups within society. There is also a recognised need to encourage young people to develop a wide range of skills and interests, to identify and foster their potential and to encourage creativity. These developments pose a number of challenges for arts education, as evidenced by the debates within policy and research. Previous research on the potential of arts education to enhance the creativity of young people has underlined the need to continuously improve its quality. To help meet this need and help identify best practices, Eurydice has produced this overview of the state of artistic and cultural education in Europe. The study contains comparative information on the provision of arts and cultural education within the curricula of 30 European countries. It covers the aims and objectives of such education, its organisation, the provision of extra-curricular activities, as well as initiatives for the development of arts and cultural education. In addition, it includes important information on pupil assessment and teacher education in the arts. It clearly shows, for example, that music and visual arts are the most widespread subjects taught in schools at primary and lower secondary level, and that the participation of professional artists in arts education is quite limited. The study draws attention to the importance of collaboration among the various actors in arts education. Changes in arts education planned or implemented after 2007 are appended. A glossary in included. (Contains 13 figures and 28 footnotes.)