Events
Welcome to From the Foundations
We are honoured to introduce a series of symposiums dedicated to exploring the future of art education. These events are inspired by the work and values of Joe Woodhouse (1971–2022), whose career as an artist and educator was characterised by his collaborative approach, his ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education, and his research into innovative pedagogies and approaches to art and design education. This series serves as a tribute to his legacy, continuing the conversations he cared deeply about and creating a space for reflection, learning, and innovation.
Inviting contributions from art historians, writers, educators, and researchers across and beyond the field of art education, the symposiums will be framed around six key titles: Reform, Experiment, Equity, Community, Site, and Change. This structure will support an understanding of how art education has evolved alongside political, social, and cultural shifts, and help identify paths forward that are informed by both historical context and contemporary practice. The discussions will explore how art education can evolve to better meet the needs of artists, addressing topics from the evolving use and significance of studio spaces to fostering equitable access and collaborative learning. In doing so, the symposiums aim to spark a wider conversation on how experimentation, inclusivity, and collaborative action can inform and influence the future of art education.
The series will culminate in a publication that captures the discussions and outcomes from the symposiums, contributing to the broader conversation on the future of art education. This content will be compiled and made available on the fromthefoundations website in various formats, such as text and video, ensuring ongoing engagement with the ideas explored. This approach will provide an accessible and flexible platform for reflection and insights, while allowing the content to be shared in a dynamic and evolving format.
Stay Updated
The symposiums will be held at various venues across the North East of England from 2025 to 2027. Subscribe below to stay updated on events, venues, dates, and speakers as they are announced throughout the course of this project.
