Symposium: Art School Futures
This international UK-Japan symposium explored the changing experiences of art graduates and the structures supporting emerging artists. Written by Keith Whittle and coordinated in collaboration with Tokyo University of the Arts, the event brought together artists, curators, educators, students, and graduates from Japan and the UK to discuss career development, professional opportunities, and international perspectives on the transition from art education to professional practice.
The symposium also served as a catalyst for the Global Art Joint Project, initiating a collaborative relationship between Central Saint Martins and Tokyo University of the Arts that subsequently developed through wider international partnerships, including École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This collaboration formed part of a broader programme of international research, academic exchange, and public engagement connecting artists, curators, researchers, educators, students, and graduates across national and institutional contexts.
Alongside other international symposia addressing collective and participatory practice and globalisation, these initiatives explored the changing landscape of contemporary art, the relationship between education and professional practice, and the networks and structures supporting emerging artists in an increasingly interconnected international art world.
Central Saint Martins (CSM) is a famous art and design college located in London, England. It is part of the University of the Arts London and is well known for its creative and innovative approach to education. The college offers a wide range of courses, including fashion, fine art, graphic design, textiles, and product design. Central Saint Martins encourages students to express their individuality, experiment with new ideas, and develop their own creative styles. Many successful designers and artists have studied there, making it one of the most respected art and design institutions in the world. The college provides an inspiring environment where students can explore their talents, learn new skills, and prepare for careers in the creative industries.
Tokyo University of the Arts, also known as Geidai, is one of Japan’s most well-known institutions for art and music education. Located in Tokyo, Japan, the university is famous for its strong focus on creativity, artistic expression, and traditional Japanese culture. It offers a variety of courses in fields such as fine art, painting, sculpture, design, architecture, music, and traditional Japanese arts. The university encourages students to develop their artistic skills, explore new ideas, and express their individuality through their work. It also combines traditional artistic techniques with modern approaches, creating an inspiring environment for students to learn and grow. Tokyo University of the Arts plays an important role in Japan’s creative industries and helps prepare talented artists, designers, and musicians for their future careers.
Year: 2013
Project: International Symposium on Art Graduates and Professional Practice
Written by: Keith Whittle
Organised in collaboration with: Tokyo University of the Arts
Institutional context: Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
Focus: International artistic exchange, graduate careers, professional development, and emerging artists
Project development: Initiated the collaborative relationship that led to the Global Art Joint Project