Art Education in Schools: Important or Not?

Many Teachers, Parents, and Government officials have long since argued about how important art is or isn't. Many people believe art isn't needed to be successful. Art is just an extra class or free time. Art isn't as important as maths and sciences. It has been debated since school systems were created, is teaching about art and art history important enough to spend time on? I believe learning about art and it's history may not be absolutely necessary, but it allows student to think outside the box and wonder about meanings, and not to be scared of being wrong because art is feelings, not black and white.