Panel discussion: Utopian Imaginings for Art Education

A panel discussion that explores ‘utopian’ imaginings for art education across schooling, art and policy.

Join us for a panel discussion that explores how we might reimagine education with art at its centre, and what transformative impact this might have.

Seeking to reposition art education out of the margins of our current assessment-oriented system, this panel will explore ‘utopian’ imaginings for art education across schooling, art and policy. Drawing from their own experiences, practice-based researcher and artist Dr Malaika Cunningham, artist Ruth Levene and art teacher Joeanna Omotesho will each share projects in which they have tested alternative visions for art education. In offering examples of what sociologist Erik Olin Wright calls ‘real utopias’, the panel will sketch out possible future directions for art education, with the aim of centring education in a more creative, enquiry-based approach.

The panel will be chaired by Freelands Foundation Education Curator Nathan Marsh.

Visitor information

Date and time: Thursday 16 April, 6.45–8.15pm. Doors from 6.30pm.

Location:
Freelands Foundation
12 Errol Street
London EC1Y 8LX

Panellists

Dr Malaika Cunningham is a practice-based researcher and artist working across the UK and Europe. Most of her work explores democracy and environmental justice in some way, and she has a growing interest in food-based performance. She is a Fellow with The Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), and was recently awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore arts and ecology practices in Japan. She teaches at the University of Leeds and at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. She is Artistic Director of The Bare Project, a theatre and interactive arts company based in Sheffield with whom she is currently attempting to grow theatre made from living trees.

Ruth Levene is an artist, convener and conceptualiser based in Sheffield, UK. Mindful of our urgent need to change how we live as a society, her practice takes a deep dive into systems and infrastructures including farming, flooding, schooling & policy making, researching alongside people 'in the know'. She has worked with The National Science & Media Museum (Bradford), Arts Catalyst (London), Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Wakefield), Arnolfini (Bristol), Kiasma (Finland), DCA (Scotland) & NW Aalst (Belgium).

In 2024, while on placement in the UK’s Department for Education through Policy Lab, Ruth created Reimagining Schooling For The End of What We Know (2025:2036)-2100, a research-based dialogical piece working with civil servants, educators and specialists to collectively explore the role of schools in a time of climate and ecological collapse. The work was exhibited in Somerset House and the DfE headquarters in London.

Joeanna Omotesho is an Art Teacher based in London who has worked in the state Secondary sector for over 20 years. Their approach to teaching Art & Design in schools was transformed after completing an Artists/Teachers and Contemporary Practice MA at Goldsmiths, and they have continued to pursue ways to make the classroom space one of authentic art practice for young people. They are currently involved in a participant action research project whose overriding aim is to place students’ experience at the forefront of curriculum development.

Photo: Ruth Levene, ‘Reimagining Schooling For The End of What We Know (2025:2036)-2100’, installation view. Photo by Phoebe Somerfield.