Transformation: A year of change with Artsmark and Goldsmiths
Transformation, whether professional or personal, is rarely simple. Leading the Goldsmiths Artsmark Learning Programme and navigating internal and external shifts has challenged me in ways I never expected. Through it all, I’ve come to see transformation as an ongoing process that shapes not only what we do but who we become and how we move forward.
Transformation at Goldsmiths: Navigating change in higher education
Like many universities, Goldsmiths is undergoing significant changes. Over the past year, the landscape has shifted dramatically which has been challenging. Change is necessary and the Higher Education sector must evolve to remain relevant, but that evolution can feel uncomfortable. The reality is that transformation isn’t always the bright, exciting concept we imagine. Sometimes, it’s about letting go of what we know and stepping into the unknown.
Artsmark: A light in difficult times
Amidst these challenges, the Artsmark community has shown me how creativity and collaboration can bring purposeful change that feels positive and empowering.
Goldsmiths has brought its expertise in teacher education, creativity, arts and culture to enrich the Artsmark programme through professional development and support. We’ve encouraged schools to become agents of change in their communities.
Since last October, over 75 sessions have been delivered by the Artsmark team, each of whom bring hands-on experience and innovative approaches to the programme. The insights from their roles as pedagogues deeply rooted in the arts, and their passion for nurturing creativity and cultural understanding in children and young people, is at the heart of their contributions to Goldsmiths’ Artsmark learning programme, and embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and cultural education.
Small steps, big impact
The highlight of my year has been hearing, seeing and reading about the impact that creative and considered actions and interventions have had on schools, teachers, and students.
The aim of Artsmark has always been to inspire teachers to embrace their roles as agents of change, not only for their students but also for themselves and the communities they’re part of. And in a session I delivered recently, it was clear this vision was resonating deeply.
Afterwards, a couple of teachers stayed behind, eager to share their thoughts. We talked about how the session left them feeling empowered, inspired not only to impact the lives of their students but to rethink their own practices. They spoke about seeing new possibilities, of cultivating creative, inclusive spaces that reflect who they are as educators. It was so heartening to hear them speak with a sense of ownership and excitement, not just about immediate changes they might implement in the classroom, but about how they could shape the broader culture in their schools and communities.
Then one of the teachers said, “We need ‘Agents of Change’ t-shirts – because that’s what we are!” We all laughed, but it was a moment where humour touches something true. Artsmark teachers are agents of change. It’s a role that isn’t always easy, and it takes courage to approach teaching this way, to see it as more than a job, but as a mission that extends beyond the walls of a single classroom.
As I left, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this is what meaningful transformation looks like, not just grand gestures, but small, steady shifts in how teachers see themselves and their work. I was inspired and reminded that change in education is about these points of connection, empowerment, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Moving forward: Embracing the journey
While the challenges at Goldsmiths have brought loss and uncertainty, my work with Artsmark has reminded me that transformation, at its core, is about growth. It’s not always easy and pain-free, but we create lasting impact in these small, everyday actions.
Artsmark is an award, but more importantly it’s a learning journey that can be truly transformative for schools nationwide. Our partnership with Arts Council England is equipping teachers to foster environments where creativity flourishes and students thrive.
As I look ahead, I’m committed to continuing this transformation journey for school communities and myself. Each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a more thoughtful, caring and ultimately more meaningful future.
