How do art and design technicians conceive of their role in higher education?

Clare Sams

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2016)

Research Papers

How do art and design technicians conceive of their role in higher education?

Published 2016-07-28

Clare Sams

Clare Sams
University of the Arts London

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Abstract

This case study asks, what do art and design technicians do? As part of a research study technicians working across all four colleges of UAL were interviewed. The study used a mixed methods approach, involving a survey followed by participant produced images accompanied by text-based self-analysis in order to create a portrait of technicians’ views of their role in higher education. The study found that technicians perceive their role as supporting staff, students and events in both traditional and virtual learning environments, but also as educators, artists and expert practitioners within their specialist areas of art and design.

Keywords

Technician, Expertise, Workshop, Teaching, Learning, Students

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Author Biography

Clare Sams

Clare Sams is an artist, creating narrative works in textiles and other media. She is an experienced arts professional and holds a Masters degree in Academic Practice in Art, Design, and Communication from UAL. Clare works as an independent arts educator within museums, galleries, schools and colleges, including The Royal Academy, Kings College London and UAL. She was a technician at Central St Martins when she undertook this study.

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