艺术史和艺术理论认为视觉实践是具有社会，艺术，经济和政治条件的至关重要的，批判性的，创造性的参与，可以表达社会抱负，精神信仰，哲学理想，个人和集体身份的形成和巩固，以及任何特定社会的潜在恐惧。艺术史和理论研究了艺术的创造和解释，以及这些含义是如何动态变化和历史定位的。
The history and theory of art understands visual practices to be vital, critical, creative engagements with social, artistic, economic and political conditions, which give voice to social aspirations, spiritual beliefs, philosophical ideals, the formation and consolidation of individual and collective identities, and the underlying fears of any given society. Art history and theory investigates the creation and interpretation of art, and how these meanings are dynamic and historically situated.