This synopsis discusses how and why Swedish art education ought to focus on teaching visual literacy from a glocal perspective. The aim is to position Swedish art education in a glocal, multi- and intercultural context. Searches were conducted mainly on LibSearch, as well as Google Scholar. Limitations were set to 2000, and peer-reviewed material only. Sources from Sweden, Europe and the USA, dealing directly or indirectly with visual literacy, were included. The results suggest that visual literacy may be taught through graphic novels, advertisements, public art, blogs and activities with peer-assessment. Critical multicultural pedagogy, visual rubrics and transparency in assessment processes are also suggested to strengthen visual literacy. It is concluded that visual literacy may aid students’ critical understanding and awareness of visual media in a multi-, intercultural and glocal visual world. To be visually literate may give them ability to critically participate in visual culture as democratic and empathic global citizens. Further research on how teachers and students use and understand visual literacies in Swedish art education is needed.