Following our wonderful afternoon at the National Gallery on Saturday (thanks so much to Caroline Smith and the National Gallery artist educators for a fantastic afternoon), I travelled to Cambridge to meet with our patron Dame Magdalene Odundo DBE and NSEAD President Elect Marlene Wylie in the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Dr Kate Noble (Senior Research Associate at the Museum and NSEAD Council member) arranged for us to meet whilst the museum was closed in the gallery where Magdalene’s work has been on temporary display – ‘Magdalene Odundo in Cambridge’. It was a privilege to hear the conversation that flowed as Magdalene spoke about the importance of art education, the power of learning in museums and galleries, and the life-changing impact of teachers who have shaped her own journey to become one of the greatest ceramic artists working today.

This was another fantastic partnership between a great cultural organisation, and the people who make NSEAD so special. My thanks to the Fitzwilliam Museum, to Kate Noble, to Marlene – and most of all, to our wonderful patron, Dame Magdalene Odundo. Truly one of the greatest stars in the art firmament.

We have captured the conversation on film, which we will be sharing with you all. I know that it will inspire you, motivate you and rally you to even greater work. And I know that Magdalene’s words will resonate with so many:

'My message to our NSEAD members is this: Just keep doing what you do. Keep going. Please!'

As we reflect on another turbulent and challenging year, this is exactly the encouragement we need.

Time now to ensure that you get some time to unwind and recharge – ready for whatever the next academic year may bring.

Thanks to all of you for the energy and inspiration that you continue to bring to art education and our very special community.

Michele Gregson

General Secretary

When: Thursday 14 July, 13.30-15.30

Where: Online

Leading Cultural Capital and Equity in Art Education in Art Education will include practical 'takeaways' and tried and tested approaches, which will help you to:

• Challenge the status quo of art content in primary settings
• Foster a genuine appreciation of diversity in your school
• Provide opportunities for children to celebrate their own cultural backgrounds
• Offer engagement with the rich cultural resources available, relating to other art and artists.

Image © Alberta Whittle, Glasgow School of Art MFA 2011

This year’s iJADE conference will be hosted online from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 November.

Book tickets here.

In times of political, economic, environmental, and societal turbulence, Culturally Responsive Education challenges all of us. How can Art and Design Education be relevant to the lives of all learners, including their varied social worlds, identities and intersections, their backgrounds, heritage, and lived experiences? 

We warmly invite abstracts of 200 words (max) that explore some aspect of the above debates. We welcome and plan to feature papers with a wide range of responses and approaches to the issues raised.

Images: Prehistoric caves inspired by artist Sally Madge © Benton Dene School and Clare Boreham
Sonia Boué, Nosey, 2022 Photograph © Sonia Boué 

NSEAD members! The next Issue of AD Magazine is guest edited by Dr Claire Penketh, lecturer in disability studies, and co-curated by the the Advancing Anti-Ableist Pedagogies Special Interest Group (AaP SIG). 

Anti-ableist pedagogy has the potential to transform practice by encouraging art educators to explore ableism and its relationship with disablism, a more overt form of discrimination. This special issue of AD, will be packed with ideas to help you re-think art education from a more ‘de-centered’ anti-ableist position. No matter what phase of learning you are working in, no matter what sector too – this AaP 'take-over' issue will change how you view disability.

Contributors include, artist Sonia Boué, Colin Hambrook, founding editor of Disability Arts Online, art educators from all phases, young art activists, a curator, community groups and researchers.

How can Primary Teachers introduce Art History to their students? Watch last week's Facebook Live with Magic Lantern's Matthew Sanders for some top tips, helpful questions to ask and useful strategies - a perfect 30-minute watch!

It was described as a day "full of connection and inspiration", "a fab experience" and a chance "to meet so many lovely people who share the same passion for art education".

Thanks to everyone who participated and contributed, braved the crowds of hot London to spend a while with us and other art educators, to listen, collage, draw and talk IN REAL LIFE!! Huge thanks also to The National Gallery who made it possible.

July 2022 has been a busy month for everyone in education. As temperatures rise in classrooms, the UK Government appears to be in meltdown.

Last week was a low point as the newly appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education treated the public to the kind of hand gesture that would see any teacher lose their job.

The cast of DFE ministers responsible for education in English schools has been 

changing on an almost hourly basis –  unacceptable as teachers and governing bodies await the decision of the ‘caretaker’ team about pay levels for 2022. NSEAD calls for fair pay for all our members, that recognises the decade-long real-terms cut to salaries. It is of course essential that any pay award is matched by additional funding to schools. We await a decision from the (current) Secretary of State for Education James Cleverly, and continue to lobby alongside the other education unions on your behalf. Please visit our website for updates, information and the NSEAD position on industrial action. 

We are keen to hear your views. 

Michele Gregson 

General Secretary 

When: Tues 13 September, 16.00 - 17.30

Where: Online

This twilight session will be led by Dr Steven Berryman, NSEAD Vice President

What are the opportunities to develop better practice when we work across schools? This session will explore what might be achieved through leadership at scale.

• What are the opportunities to develop better practice when we work across schools? 
• How do we avoid a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to art and design provision, and instead promote confident, informed practice?
• How can we grow subject focused learning communities? 

We have just published a useful resource all about copyright. What is it, what does it protect, what does it mean for lessons and resources, what are the exceptions, what can and cannot it be used? Plus a list of frequently asked questions, all about copyright! 

We are delighted that our artist, art educator and writer colleague, Dr Paul Dash, has been filmed and celebrated in the BBC two-part documentary: Lenny Henry's Caribbean Britain. The film explores how pioneers in the arts laid the foundations for an explosion of culture and inspired a new generation. View the series here 

You can now view the recording of Paul reading excerpts from his recently published book, Foreday Morning (2nd edition). The reading took place 9 December and was part of the Anti-Racist Art Education panel discussion. 

The revised edition is a portrait of hope and resilience, and as Dr Miranda Matthews says, 'a compelling argument for social justice in arts and education'. A must read for all art, craft and design educators.

We have a few remaining copies available from the NSEAD website now, priced at £15.99 (incl. P&P).

NSEAD has agreed with HMCA to offer discounted rates for medical plans. HMCA arrange medical plans for membership groups and can offer up to a 40% discount off the underwriter’s standard rates. 

Private health insurance cannot guarantee good health, but it can ensure that when you are feeling unwell you will quickly receive the best possible care, when and where you want it. The peace of mind that comes with that knowledge cannot be underestimated and is often the most important factor for people deciding to take control of their healthcare provision and "go private".

We are delighted to share that Liz Mcfarlane is featured in Issue 03 of Gatekeeper Magazine. Entitled ‘Culture, Cash and Capital’ the publication tackles seven different types of cultural capital: Objective, Embodied, Institutionalised, Technical, Emotional, National, Subcultural.

Through each of these chapters, different elements of the art market and world recognised and analysed. A worthwhile and interesting read!

Junk Kouture is a zero cost, year-round creative programme that challenges students to create bespoke fashion from 100% recycled materials, shining a light on environmental and social justice issues.   

The programme supports students to: 

• Become active, self-directed learners. 
• Build confidence in their own capabilities. 
• Become more socially conscious global citizens. 

Finalists have the chance to showcase their designs to a global audience at national and international live finals each year. 

Contact UK Territory manager Caoimhe Kenny to find out more and sign up.

We have an amazing competition for our members. You could win a treasure trove of photography equipment for your school in our prize giveaway with our friends at The Photography Movement.

All you have to do is -
1. Register with The Photography Movement (all 100% free)
2. Complete a very short competition entry form.
Deadline: 31 July
THAT'S IT! GOOD LUCK!

Image credit: Ruth Paton and William Chan, Design Challenge ©2022 ROH. Photograph by Rachel Cherry

This nation-wide competition is open to students of art and design from GCSE to foundation degree level and provides them with invaluable, practical insight into technical and production practice. 

It asks students to create their own original set, costume, hair and makeup and marketing campaign designs. There are free online CPDL sessions for tutors / teachers to inspire delivery of the programme with hints, tips and take away classroom activities from a professional stage designer. 

Have a look at last year's winners for inspiration here.

When: 21 July – 1 September
Where: Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7J
Cost: Free

Dreaming in Colour is a new wall work and exhibition produced as a collaborative piece by artist Jorell Bonnick with local young people who took part in printmaking workshops, taking inspiration from Jorell’s work and their reflections on the borough as home.

The installation will coincide with Kiln Theatre’s presentation of ‘The Darkest Hour of the Night’, and an exhibition of six artists from ActionSpace’s Brent studio.

Craft School: A summer of playful making, is a chance for children and young people to visit, get making and be inspired by the Crafts Council Collection and brilliant creations made by school students from across the UK. 

This summer the Crafts Council Gallery will become a hive of activity where visitors can create, play, and experiment with clays, textiles, paper, and card at a ‘making table’ and meet others who also love craft. There will be handling sessions, and a free weekly workshop held every Wednesday in August, led by Crafts Council staff and skilled craft educators.

Where: Crafts Council Gallery, 44a Pentonville Road, London

1-3 Day Professional Development by Teachers, for Teachers

Use discount code NSEADAD22

These digital creativity bootcamps will:

• Inspire you with tried and tested projects 

• Give you practical lesson ideas

• Help you prepare students for an increasingly digital landscape 

• Prepare your classroom for Adobe Certification (Applies to Deep Dive CC Bootcamps)

This new book explores why and how the personal creative practice of arts teachers in school matters. Through the unique focus on artist-teacher practice, the book explores the changing nature of the classroom and the social and political dimensions of the school. 

Carole Wild, a lecturer at IoE and an NSEAD member, says:  ‘It’s a book that only exists because of NSEAD and the Artist Teacher Scheme - thanks for the inspiration, friendship and support.’ Big NSEAD congratulations on the publication of this powerful contribution to artist-teacher research, Carole!

Carole has secured a discount code for fellow NSEAD members which will continue until the end of August: use ASM06 at checkout. (The code cannot be used during the mid-year sale.)

We have been asked to share this call for research participants on behalf of Siyi Hou (student, Kings College London) for their postgraduate dissertation research. 

Siyi Hou would like to interview ten educators who have experience using digital tools in their projects / workshops or class with children aged 6 to 12-years old.

The study aims to investigate the implications of childhood experiences of using digital technology on the current artistic creations of art students. The visual arts classroom is important to the research and to understand the approaches of using digital tools in the arts classroom. 

This structured interview consists of 12 questions and will take between 20 and 30 minutes to complete.

Interviews can be conducted either as an online interview or by sending a questionnaire by email, depending on the wishes of the interviewee.

The deadline will be on 22 July.

*This study has been approved for ethical clearance. The data will be further processed and anonymised by the authors during the study.

This week's quote is from a recently published report, The Arts in Schools; A new conversation on the value of the arts in and beyond schools, funded by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation led by A New Direction. You can read it here.