It has always been the case that the teaching of art has had to deal with social changes. We are currently facing historic challenges and phenomena which we could never have imagined - the global financial crisis, the massive migration flows, and the ubiquitous spread of new technologies in our everyday life. Creative competence is needed for overcoming the disciplinary boundaries and in order to make equal opportunities for education possible in a diverse society. This publication takes a critical look at the role of art and design education amidst these social changes - using theoretical reflection, practical experience, and empirical analysis.