We consistently foreground issues of belonging, migration, homelands, colonialism, identity, and representation across our programme. Equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in all our work, and now with support from Freelands Foundation, we have embarked on an ambitious two-year project championing diversity and inclusion within the art and design curriculum.
Working alongside University of Southampton PGCE Art and Design students, artists, and Helena Boyce (Youbuntu CIC), pupils in eight local secondary schools took part in creative sessions addressing themes of race, identity, and cultural representation.
We began in December 2024 by contacting school partners to introduce the project and outline expectations. Earlier this year, we then held a series of online meetings with PGCE programme leads, PGCE teachers, and school staff to refine plans and build shared understanding. In March, PGCE teachers met with John Hansard Gallery’s team, followed by a racial literacy and anti-racism CPD session led by Jayanti Shah, co-founder of Black History Month South. These sessions encouraged reflection on personal educational journeys, curriculum design, and the role of art educators as change-makers.
Between February and April, artists were recruited through an Open Call process. These artists include Susmita Bhattacharya, Edgar Lushaju, Greg Bunbury, Abeer Kayani, and Mataio Austin Dean.
Since its launch, and in our work to-date, we have made significant progress in laying the foundations for long- term change in inclusive arts education.
Inclusive Practices Project is led by John Hansard Gallery, University of Southampton, with support from Freelands Foundation.
Read more about the project here