The Chairs research focuses on practice-led and socially engaged arts education, exploring how creative processes can contribute to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and social change. Through this work, Johnston connects artistic practice with education and research to explore how the arts can help build more caring and connected communities.
Vision and motivation
Johnston views arts education as a powerful force for change, one that encourages empathy, critical reflection and active citizenship. Through Issues-Based Arts Education (IBAE), he connects artistic practice with the complex realities of our time and explores how art and education can strengthen each other. Grounded in values such as reciprocity, respect and care, his work aims to build more inclusive and resilient communities where creativity supports social transformation.
'Arts education can transform not only how we think about the world, but how we act within it. It helps us imagine new forms of coexistence — and then practice them.'
Collaboration and impact
As UNESCO Chairholder, Johnston works through the UNESCO Chair Centre for Arts and Learning (UCAL): a research network with hubs in Arnhem, Belfast, Dublin, Fes, Tanger and Casablanca. Together with international partners, researchers and students, he develops artistic and educational practices that respond to social and cultural challenges.
Within ArtEZ, he helped shape and establish the international Master Artist Educator (iMAE), bringing its vision of learning through art to an international stage. Today, he continues to collaborate with students and colleagues to connect artistic practice with global and local issues.
Bio
Johnston earned his PhD at the University of Sunderland, where his research explored the link between artistic thinking, intuition and conflict transformation. He has worked extensively in conflict and post-conflict contexts including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Rwanda, Israel–Palestine and Lebanon.
At ArtEZ, he previously led the international Master Artist Educator (iMAE) programme, and now focuses fully on his role as UNESCO Chairholder. Through the UNESCO Chair Centre for Arts and Learning (UCAL), he develops practice-led research on art as a catalyst for intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding and social justice.