The important role of higher art education in promoting the sustainable development of aesthetic education in Chinese universities

Abstract In the global context of integrating sustainable development into education, aesthetic education in higher education institutions cultivates students’ aesthetic literacy and creative capabilities. Higher art education, as a core component, plays an irreplaceable role in promoting sustainability in this field, though its contributions remain insufficiently explored.1 This study investigates higher art education as a key driver of sustainable aesthetic education in universities through text mining and social network analysis of 2081 CNKI publications (1980–2024). Findings reveal thematic shifts, developmental trends, and multidimensional knowledge systems that provide theoretical foundations and practical pathways for sustainable aesthetic education.