Building the Anti-Racist Classroom: APR Goldsmiths CCA
- Andy Ash
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
Pleased to announce I have been invited to collaborate with A Particular Reality (APR) at their CPD session to share, reflect upon and discuss approaches to anti-racist and inclusive arts practice in the art classroom.
Details from the flyer below:
Things Within Reach
Building the Anti-Racist Classroom
Friday 20th June 2025, 6pm – 8.30pm
The Oak Foundation Gallery, Goldsmiths CCA, St James's, London SE14 6AD
We will share new learning resources produced through creative collaborations between art students, academics and artists, including a toolkit, zine and podcast. These resources offer case studies, practices and recommendations for educators and institutions to address complex issues of racism, representation, hierarchy and power, intersectionality and cultural difference through collective and creative processes that centre marginalised students voices and lived experiences.
The session is co-organised in collaboration with Andy Ash (NSEAD, Institute of Education) and Marlene Wylie (Visualise Project Lead and Immediate NSEAD Past President). Drawing on their research and facilitation of arts education networks including United Black Art Educators (UBAE) they will reflect on the current landscape and changes in the ways race and inclusion are engaged with and supported in arts education over the last 5 years. Connecting this to conversations around building anti-racist classroom and teaching practices, we will open up discussion around questions such as: In this moment, what challenges and opportunities should we consider as artists and educators with a commitment to anti-racism and social justice in arts and education? How can we change our learning environments to build new spaces that embed anti-racism and equity into the fabrics of our education spaces? How can socially engaged and collective arts practices between students, teachers, practitioners and communities transform our learning environments and institutions?
The session will include hands-on creative activity of zine making and collage, through which we invite attendees to make, discuss and reflect in response to the issues raised in the session. Attendees will also be able to visit the Goldsmiths BA Fine Art Degree Show and see the work of a new graduating cohort of artists - https://www.gold.ac.uk/art/degree-shows/
Home cooked food, refreshments and drinks will be provided. All participants will also receive a copy of the new learning resources to take away with them.
Contact for any questions or further information: a.eisa@gold.ac.uk
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A Particular Reality (APR) is an inter-institutional initiative founded in 2018. It was formed by students, alumni and educators from the Fine Art departments at Goldsmiths, University of London, Kingston School of Art and Manchester Metropolitan University; with a commitment to building creative learning environments based on values of equity and care. APR forges connections across creative disciplines amongst students, educators and makers. It intends to elevate individuals who are feeling isolated in respect of their cultural identity and lived experience within practice-based education. APR is a space for sharing rather than telling and is committed to providing a non-hierarchical space to support marginalised students and staff cultivate their creative expression.
Marlene Wylie has played a significant role in the Visualise: Race and Inclusion in Secondary School Art Education research project. As the project lead, she has been instrumental in shaping its direction and impact. The Visualise research project, a collaboration between the Runnymede Trust and the Freelands Foundation, aims to investigate race and ethnicity within art education in England. It recognises that art education should be accessible, inspiring, and inclusive for all students. The project seeks to address the challenges faced by both students and teachers in the current art education system. As the Immediate Past President of the National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD), Marlene Wylie has been at the forefront of this initiative. Her leadership and expertise have guided the project’s research, data collection, and analysis. The Visualise project has gained credibility and relevance within the art education community through her involvement. The Visualise project’s research confirms what educators have long expressed: that art education in the UK faces significant challenges. Despite the creative potential of art and design education, the classroom experience often becomes limited due to an educational system that favours a narrow art canon. Marlene’s leadership ensures rigorous examination and communication of the research findings to drive positive change in art education. Her dedication to the Visualise project contributes to a more inclusive and enriching art education landscape. Her work emphasizes the importance of representation, diversity, and inspiring curriculum content for all students.
Andy Ash is President of the National Society for Education in Art and Design and Associate Professor at UCL’s IOE. He brings over twenty-five years of history working in higher education with interwoven interests of art education, visual art practice as research and making, and trans-disciplinarity, collaboration and a dialogic approach.
Andy has strong education professional skills in Art Education, Contemporary Art, Galleries & Museums, Teaching & Learning, Visual Art Practice as Research and Initial Teacher Education. He has collaborated with cultural institutions such as Tate Exchange, Tate Britain, ICA, Kings College Art Centre, Cambridge University, Casa da Imagem, the Freelands Foundation and CVAN London’s Creative Learning Hub. His latest book ‘Practical Guide to Teaching Art & Design in the Secondary School’ is published by Routledge. His artistic practice includes sculpture, film, performance, objects, drawing, print in an installation or in situ context and has shown internationally and locally.
United Black Artists Educators Network (UBAE) is a self-organised network group for Black educators, students and individuals from the wider NSEAD membership and community. UBAE is a safe-space group with new members always welcomed.
We use the term Black in a political context to encompass 'all members who self-identify as Black, Asian and any other minoritised groups who do not identify themselves as ‘white'.
National Society of Educators in Art & Design (NSEAD) is the trade union, learned society and professional association for art, craft & design educators across the UK. We have been championing the subject of art, craft and design education since 1888: protecting, inspiring and supporting art teachers at all levels. Our membership community includes primary and secondary art teachers, student and early career teachers, researchers, arts and culture learning teams, and organisations. We offer exclusive resources, professional development, and a supportive community for our members. Access cutting-edge research, inspiring publications, and exclusive training and professional development.
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