Facing the need of thinking over anew the traditional teaching models current in art schools, which are based on contents borrowed from other settings and needs and intended for artists capable of producing symbolic goods and items for cultural customers which may support cultural industries, a comparative and informed review is herein presented, proposing an alternative curricular model based on the principles of Freire's critical pedagogy and emancipatory theories.These theories have the capability of transforming societies through the training and development of critic and responsible individuals, whose creative perspective proves furthermore engaged with social welfare and emancipation.