The Value of Creativity and Creative Education

2. The Mission-Based School

In 2030, the architectural faculty is closed down, following on from the closure of the fine art, design and fashion faculties the previous year. Instead, the Art School is structured almost entirely thematically, with inter-disciplinary learning groups and R&D organised around major societal missions and innovation challenges. After an initial year of core, foundational education in arts and design practices, students choose to progress their studies from a variety of cross-disciplinary challenges. A key element of these further studies is a focus on critical thinking and the application of creative and design methodologies to address complex problems. The challenges are not fixed, but at the moment include: mental health and well-being, the ageing society, the climate crisis, green transport, automation and mobility.

The Art School has significantly expanded and broadened its funding and impact, particularly in terms of research and innovation with increased funding from the industry and private sector as well as funding agencies, and an impressive enterprise programme. Many students are based off-site, working with partners across the UK – and discussions are underway with NHS England about establishing a base linked to a major teaching hospital. Long-term projects undertaken with hospitals, transport providers, local authorities and other partners or ‘problem holders’ from across public and private sector have brought in revenues and are making significant contributions. In healthcare in particular, design insights and innovations that emerged from projects are being applied at scale and having a direct impact on patient outcomes, while fine art is being effectively used in therapy and mental health treatments.

Printmaking workshop, Stow Building