SPOTTED: John Johnston at the hbo-festival - For the future of the Netherlands
- Theatre
- Education in Art
- Research
"Art should not merely reflect society; it must also actively contribute to change," said John Johnston during the hbo-festival For the future of the Netherlands. As the head of ArtEZ's international Master Artist Educator and UNESCO Chair in Arts, Education and Cultural Advocacy, he shared his vision on Issues Based Arts Education. This is an educational model that uses art and research to address social issues.
With Issues Based Arts Education we bring art and research to the places where it makes the greatest impact"
Site-specific art projects
Johnston emphasised the importance of site-specific art projects that directly respond to community needs. He referred to initiatives in Belfast, Tangier, and Arnhem (Samen op 29, where the UNESCO Chair and his team work with Gemeente Arnhem, Volkshuisvesting and Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost). Each site-specific project provides opportunities for students to practice research in 'real world contexts' collaborating with multiple partners to create meaningful social interventions.
Hbo-festival
The hbo-festival, organised by the Vereniging Hogescholen, is an annual event where professionals from higher education come together to discuss the role of universities of applied sciences in tackling social challenges and creating future-proof solutions. This year's focus was on innovative educational models, sustainable development, and the power of collaboration.
Through his contribution at the festival, Johnston once again underlined the transformative power of arts education - a vision he promotes globally as a UNESCO Chair at ArtEZ.
Want to learn more about the hbo-festival? Check out: