Rethinking Education and the Arts at the New Visions Symposium

Teaching as an Artistic Practice – Dr. Henry Ward

What if teaching itself were seen as an artistic practice? Dr. Henry Ward, Director of Freelands Foundation, has spent his career exploring this question. His work positions teachers not just as educators but as artists-in-residence within their own classrooms, transforming schools into creative spaces where teaching and making are deeply connected.

With a background in both secondary and higher education, as well as time spent at the Southbank Centre and the Freelands Foundation, Henry has long been an advocate for art education that goes beyond the standard curriculum. His workshop will explore how teachers can rethink their role, using their subject not just as something to be delivered but as a medium in itself. This session is ideal for educators and artists interested in integrating creativity more deeply into learning environments.

Critical Pedagogy – Chrissie Tiller

Education is not just about what we learn, but how we learn. Chrissie Tiller, a writer, theatre practitioner, and educator, has spent decades exploring the intersection of critical pedagogy, political activism, and social art practice.

Inspired by Paulo Freire’s ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’, Chrissie challenges the traditional “banking model” of education, where knowledge is simply deposited into students, in favour of a more collaborative and community-driven approach. Her work has taken her across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, advising on arts and social change initiatives for organisations such as the EU Commission, the British Council, and the Council of Europe.

Her session will explore how revisiting the work of Freire and bell hooks can help artists and educators create spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and engaged. This is particularly relevant at a time when education systems often prioritise standardisation over individuality and creative thinking.

A School Assembly: How Do We Want to Build Community Through Arts Education Practice? – Sarah Bailey

How do we gather? How do we build community through creative practice? Sarah Bailey, an artist, educator, and consultant, will invite participants to rethink these questions through an interactive alternative school assembly.

With a focus on learning, community, and play, Sarah’s work often explores overlooked knowledge and new narratives about how we live and work together. Her session will allow participants to experiment with different approaches—whether through drawing, performance, writing, or simply listening—to reimagine what a school assembly (or any communal gathering) could be.

This workshop is not about replicating traditional school settings, but about exploring new ways of structuring communal experiences, particularly in arts education. Participants will also contribute to a simple audio recording, capturing the essence of the discussion for symposium attendees.

An Invitation to Join the Conversation

For anyone interested in the intersection of art, education, and social change, this symposium offers a chance to engage with fresh perspectives and practical ideas. It is an opportunity to step away from rigid structures and explore alternative ways of thinking about learning, teaching, and creative collaboration.

Whether you’re an educator looking to reshape your classroom, an artist working with communities, or simply someone passionate about new ideas in arts education, the New Visions Symposium is a space to reflect, discuss, and experiment.

📅 Date: Saturday 1 March 2025
📍 Location: The MAC, Belfast
🔗 More info & tickets: Here