NSEAD Membership

Authoring Our Own Stories (GATE & ARAEA)
2026-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 (Europe/London) | Online
Members of the Gender Art and Transformative Education (GATE) special interest group and Anti-Racist Art Education Action (ARAEA) group are invited to join this one-off e-meeting with Sandra Vacciana, project leader of Authoring Our Own Stories.
Sandra has kindly agreed to join us for this meeting, and with the young people involved in the project will be sharing more about their important work:
Authoring Our Own Stories is a youth recovery project examining how young people’s identities impact on their access to services. Over five years, arts-based workshops with young people have explored how we can reshape services locally, regionally, and nationally to improve the offer in place to young people and break the cycle of inequality.
The project has been funded for by the National Lottery Community Fund. The programme is being led by Partnership for Young London in partnership with Youth Focus North West, Youth Focus South West and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Youth Work Unit.
Dr Suzy Tutchell, ITE art and design primary lecturer at University of Reading and chair of GATE, is hosting the meet up.
Please note: this event is open to members of GATE and ARAEA only and will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. Please contact Sophie Leach if you would like to attend the meeting and for joining info.

World Art Day 2026
2026-04-15 00:00 - 23:59
Each year, World Art Day celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools.

ATACL Conference 2026 | Making Space
2026-03-21 00:00 - 23:59 | Online
The 4th Artist Teacher in Adult Community Learning Conference will take place on Saturday 21 March 2026, with the theme 'Making Space'.
Details of the conference will be announced soon. To receive updates directly to your inbox, subscribe to the #ATACL26 newsletter.

Leading Secondary Art & Design (Session 2)
2026-03-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This session is the second of three twilight sessions in the Leading Secondary Art & Design course.
The course focuses on developing leadership and management skills to effectively lead a department; address Ofsted requirements; and build strong, successful teaching teams. Participants will explore how to develop teaching and learning, inspire and support colleagues and improve pupil outcomes.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 1 details (now available as a recording for late registrations) | Session 3 details (to be announced)

Leading Post-16 Art & Design (Session 2)
2026-03-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This is the second session of Leading Art & Design: Exploring your Educator-Artist-Researcher professional identity in the post-16 sector
Each session of this course will focus on each identity of the Educator-Artist-Researcher, drawing on the network of enterprises. Participants will explore visual ways of working, provocations, theory, and reflection.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 1 details | Session 3 details

Leading Primary Art & Design (Session 2)
2026-02-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
Session 2 - What essential subject knowledge do I and my colleagues need and where can I find it?
This session looks at the Art & Design curriculum and the knowledge required to teach it confidently and effectively. It covers ways to find out the knowledge gaps of school colleagues and how to meet them with high quality guidance and expertise. This session also looks at subject specific pedagogy and language acquisition.
This session is one of three twilight sessions in the Leading Primary Art & Design course. This course will offer strategies for building the foundations for developing confidence, enthusiasm, and key knowledge in this subject, as well as an understanding of how to plan for progression across the primary years. Participants will learn how to support colleagues, manage resources effectively and prepare for inspection.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 1 details | Session 3 details

Mind the Art Gap | Primary & Non-Specialist ECT (Session 2)
2026-02-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
Session 2: Drip and Splatter
Thinking about the art discipline of painting, what does it look like in primary school? What is meant by progress in this area? Partake in a variety of painting activities and discover relevant artists to inspire children back in the classroom.
This session is one of three twilight sessions in the Mind the Art Gap - Primary & Non-specialist ECT course. The course will support participants by offering practical experiences, based upon pedagogical principles, and will help to develop creative confidence in providing children with opportunities for experimenting and exploring with art materials.
Enrolment for the current cohort is now closed. Details of how to access recordings or register for future courses will be shared soon.
Session 1 details | Session 3 details

LGBT+ History Month 2025
2026-02-01 00:00 - 2026-02-28 23:59
Founded by Schools OUT, LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people of the past. It is celebrated every February in the UK, with each year’s celebration having its own unique theme. It is a dedicated space to celebrate LGBT+ lives, creating learning environments where all LGBT+ people feel safe, seen, and supported, and celebrating their rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory.

International Day of Education 2026
2026-01-24 00:00 - 23:59

The Teachers Network: Making, doing, thinking together
2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Old O2 Mobile Phone Shop, The Chantry Centre, Andover, SP10 1RL, United Kingdom
An artistic provocation led by Dr Laurence Dube-Rushby.
Reserve a spot
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About The Teachers Network, Andover
Tina and Laurence say:
'We aim to provide a space for creative exchange, discussions and support for creative practitioners engaged in educational roles within and beyond institutional settings.
We welcome you to this creative conversational space, including an artistic provocation by Dr Laurence Dube-Rushby (17 January), to have the space and time to hear you, to network and map out what you need.
We are both on NSEAD's Council, a powerful advisory body to the parliamentary committees and DfE. This is your chance to have a say in the shaping of the art curriculum. We want to hear from you, and in turn we will enlighten you on the influence and role of NSEAD.
We strongly believe that our identities as Artist-Educator-Researchers are fundamental to the way we deliver pedagogical work. Have your voice heard and nurture your creative self by joining us (at one or both events).
This is the start of something new: building a supportive network is something we would like to do in the region and, as artists and educators, we want to find our people in the local area. We look forward to meeting you.'

The Teachers Network: An evening of cheese, wine & discussion
2026-01-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Old O2 Mobile Phone Shop, The Chantry Centre, Andover, SP10 1RL, United Kingdom
Join The Teachers Network, Andover for an evening of creative chats, cheese and wine, with fellow artist-educators!
NSEAD Council members, Dr Laurence Dube-Rushby and Tina Scahill FRSA, invite you to join them for a relaxed in-person meet-up where creative practitioners working in educational roles in and around Andover, Test Valley, and beyond can come together to discuss, share ideas and engage in creative exchange.
It’s the perfect opportunity to connect and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow art teachers and creatives.
Bring your passion for art and creativity!
Reserve a spot
_____
About The Teachers Network, Andover
Tina and Laurence say:
'We aim to provide a space for creative exchange, discussions and support for creative practitioners engaged in educational roles within and beyond institutional settings.
We welcome you to this creative conversational space, including an artistic provocation by Dr Laurence Dube-Rushby (17 January), to have the space and time to hear you, to network and map out what you need.
We are both on NSEAD's Council, a powerful advisory body to the parliamentary committees and DfE. This is your chance to have a say in the shaping of the art curriculum. We want to hear from you, and in turn we will enlighten you on the influence and role of NSEAD.
We strongly believe that our identities as Artist-Educator-Researchers are fundamental to the way we deliver pedagogical work. Have your voice heard and nurture your creative self by joining us (at one or both events).
This is the start of something new: building a supportive network is something we would like to do in the region and, as artists and educators, we want to find our people in the local area. We look forward to meeting you.'

Oak Breakfast Brush Up | Session 2
2026-01-13 08:15 - 08:45 | Online
Session 2 | How to adapt the Oak Art and Design Curriculum for your setting
For this session Emily is joined by Aletia Aston-Swords. Aletia will share more about her role on the project and discuss the practical ways in which the lessons can be adapted across different primary and secondary settings.
Format:
Introduction to the breakfast brush up session and guests | Emily Gopaul (5 mins)
In conversation | Emily Gopaul & Aletia Aston-Swords (25 mins)
Q&A | Emily Gopaul & Aletia Aston-Swords (5mins)
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Register now
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About the Oak Breakfast Brush Up Sessions
Join Emily Gopaul and members of the NSEAD creator team for a series of focused conversations exploring key questions and themes within the art and design curriculum.
Each 30-minute session offers insights into the thinking behind the resources, along with practical guidance on how to use them effectively in your teaching.

Meeting the needs of your learners – SEND in the Art & Design classroom (Session 1)
2026-01-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This session is first of three twilight sessions in the Meeting the needs of your learners – SEND in the Art & Design classroom course
This course will provide participants with practical tools and insights to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, particularly those with SEND, enhancing their professional practice and contributing to successful outcomes for students with SEND in Art & Design.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 2 details (to be announced) | Session 3 details (to be announced)

Mind the Art Gap | Secondary ECT (Session 1)
2025-12-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This session is first of three twilight sessions in the Mind the Art Gap - Secondary ECT course.
From September 2025 the ITT and ECF Frameworks will be replaced by the the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), which sets out what trainee and early career teachers need to know, and know how to do, at the start of their careers. ECTs will need to revisit approaches introduced in their training to develop greater fluency and confidence, and to develop their decision making in order to solve more complex challenges.
This NSEAD programme provides subject specific support to ensure that teachers are able to flourish and develop their practice as specialist teachers of art and design.
Enrolment for the current cohort is now closed. Details of how to access recordings or register for future courses will be shared soon.
Session 2 details (to be announced) | Session 3 details (to be announced)

Oak Breakfast Brush Up | Session 1
2025-12-09 08:15 - 08:45 | Online
Session 1 | Setting the tone: how principles and partnerships shaped the curriculum
For this session Emily is joined by Michele Gregson, General Secretary and CEO of NSEAD. Michele and Emily will discuss our shared commitment to access, inclusion, and teacher support, the assembly of a diverse, expert team, and how frameworks like Big Landscape, Visualise and the National Curriculum shaped a rigorous and inclusive curriculum.
Discover the story behind the partnership and the practical insights it offers for teaching art and design today.
Format:
Introduction to the breakfast brush up sessions | Emily Gopaul (5 mins)
In conversation | Emily Gopaul & Michele Gregson (25 mins)
Q&A | Emily Gopaul & Michele Gregson (5 mins)
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Register now
-----
About the Oak Breakfast Brush Up Sessions
Join Emily Gopaul and members of the NSEAD creator team for a series of focused conversations exploring key questions and themes within the art and design curriculum.
Each 30-minute session offers insights into the thinking behind the resources, along with practical guidance on how to use them effectively in your teaching.

Leading Post-16 Art & Design (Session 1)
2025-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This is the first session of Leading Art & Design: Exploring your Educator-Artist-Researcher professional identity in the post-16 sector
Each session of this course will focus on each identity of the Educator-Artist-Researcher, drawing on the network of enterprises. Participants will explore visual ways of working, provocations, theory, and reflection.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 2 details | Session 3 details

Leading Secondary Art & Design (Session 1)
2025-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This session is the first of three twilight sessions in the Leading Secondary Art & Design course.
The course focuses on developing leadership and management skills to effectively lead a department; address Ofsted requirements; and build strong, successful teaching teams. Participants will explore how to develop teaching and learning, inspire and support colleagues and improve pupil outcomes.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 2 details | Session 3 details (to be announced)

SEAD Autumn Event
2025-11-23 10:30 - 15:50 | CulturePlex, City Lit Adult Education Provider, 1–10 Keeley Street, London, WC2B 4BA, United Kingdom
Join the NSEAD London & South-East Art & Design (SEAD) Network Group for their Autumn event, which will focus on the subject, 'Critique - the purpose & process of critical review'.
Using DON’T KILL THE ART SCHOOL (the documentary film about the Slade School of Fine Art) as context, participants will be encouraged to explore approaches to critique and critical review. This event aims to develop critical practice and the management of approaches and the pedagogy of critique.
There is no cost for attending. Please email Ged Gast gedgast@nsead.org to secure a place. There are limited spaces for this event - places will be allocated in order of receipt.
Please note this is a Sunday event, to give members who have been unable to attend on Saturdays an additional option. The SEAD organisers will take soundings about the alternative day: they aim to listen, and be flexible and responsive to your thoughts.

Leading Primary Art & Design (Session 1)
2025-11-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
Session 1: Acing your Art & Design subject leader role – where to start?
This session looks at the role of the effective subject leader in the primary school through the lens of Art & Design. What unique considerations does the subject require? This session looks at what a subject leader needs to know about the subject provision in their school, how they can find out and plan for high quality teaching and learning in their setting.
This session is one of three twilight sessions in the Leading Primary Art & Design course. This course will offer strategies for building the foundations for developing confidence, enthusiasm, and key knowledge in this subject, as well as an understanding of how to plan for progression across the primary years. Participants will learn how to support colleagues, manage resources effectively and prepare for inspection.
Enrol here (please note that enrolment is for all three twilight sessions)
Session 2 details | Session 3 details

Mind the Art Gap | Primary & Non-Specialist ECT (Session 1)
2025-11-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
Session 1: Make a Mark!
Thinking about the art discipline of drawing, what does it look like in primary school? What is meant by progress in this area? Partake in a variety of drawing activities and discover relevant artists to inspire children back in the classroom.
This session is one of three twilight sessions in the Mind the Art Gap - Primary & Non-specialist ECT course. The course will support participants by offering practical experiences, based upon pedagogical principles, and will help to develop creative confidence in providing children with opportunities for experimenting and exploring with art materials.
Enrolment for the current cohort is now closed. Details of how to access recordings or register for future courses will be shared soon.
Session 2 details | Session 3 details

iJADE Conference 2025 | Ecologies (Day 2)
2025-11-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Arnolfini & UWE Bristol, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA, United Kingdom
Day two of the 14th International Journal of Art and Design Education Conference, hosted at the Arnolfini, UWE Bristol.
The International Journal of Art & Design Education Conference 2025 explores the theme 'Ecologies' and has a hybrid format, with one online day and one in-person day in Bristol with our host institution, UWE:
Thursday 6 November 2025 | Online
Saturday 8 November 2025 | Arnolfini, UWE Bristol
Ecologists seek to explain the relationship between humans and their environment. The ecologies of an art and design classroom encompass constellations of behaviours, personalities, curriculum, pedagogies, and assessment practices, while interconnected challenges to funding, resources and subject expertise threaten ecological collapse in some sectors of arts education. In the theoretical field, ecological thinking can open up the relations between art and education, schooling and the creative economy, or the dynamics that define art, craft, and design disciplines.
The iJADE conference provides the opportunity share and discuss ideas, practical developments and research findings in art and design education. The conference welcomes presentations reflecting on the ecologies of art and design education from colleagues in art and design pedagogy, gallery education, working in creative education at any level (formal or otherwise), students and researchers, and those working in related disciplines. The full call for papers and further details of the conference theme are available via the links below.
Find out more about the conference theme and call for papers
Submit an abstract (deadline for submissions: 10 October 2025)
Register for the conference by 17 October 2025

iJADE Conference 2025 | Ecologies (Day 1)
2025-11-06 09:00 - 17:00 | Online
Day one of the 14th International Journal of Art and Design Education Conference, hosted online.
The International Journal of Art & Design Education Conference 2025 explores the theme 'Ecologies' and has a hybrid format, with one online day and one in-person day in Bristol with our host institution, UWE:
Thursday 6 November 2025 | Online
Saturday 8 November 2025 | Arnolfini, UWE Bristol
Ecologists seek to explain the relationship between humans and their environment. The ecologies of an art and design classroom encompass constellations of behaviours, personalities, curriculum, pedagogies, and assessment practices, while interconnected challenges to funding, resources and subject expertise threaten ecological collapse in some sectors of arts education. In the theoretical field, ecological thinking can open up the relations between art and education, schooling and the creative economy, or the dynamics that define art, craft, and design disciplines.
The iJADE conference provides the opportunity share and discuss ideas, practical developments and research findings in art and design education. The conference welcomes presentations reflecting on the ecologies of art and design education from colleagues in art and design pedagogy, gallery education, working in creative education at any level (formal or otherwise), students and researchers, and those working in related disciplines. The full call for papers and further details of the conference theme are available via the links below.
Find out more about the conference theme and call for papers
Submit an abstract (deadline for submissions: 10 October 2025)
Register for the conference by 17 October 2025

Autumn Gathering 2025 X Artist + Educator Conference
2025-10-21 16:00 - 19:30 | Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ, United Kingdom
NSEAD are pleased to be working in collaboration with The Northern School of Art & The Northern Festival of Illustration to bring this year’s autumn gathering to the Artist + Educator Conference at Hartlepool Art Gallery on Tuesday 21 October 2025.
This conference provides a fantastic opportunity for NSEAD members to connect with other art educators and creative practitioners from all levels of education, to explore how diverse cultural perspectives shape and enrich creative teaching practices. Through keynote talks and hands-on workshops, participants will examine innovative pedagogical approaches that transcend borders and foster intercultural understanding, exploring the theme 'diversifying the creative curriculum'.
Follow the booking link to find out more about the conference and event programme.
Venue: Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ
Tickets: £5 + booking fee
Book now

World Teacher's Day 2025
2025-10-05 00:00 - 23:59
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe.

Black History Month 2025
2025-10-01 00:00 - 2025-10-31 23:59
The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride', a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.

Early Career Teachers Welcome Event
2025-09-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
Join NSEAD CPD course leader, Ollie Briggs, and general secretary, Michele Gregson, for this FREE twilight session to find out how NSEAD can support your early career training and connect with fellow ECTs.
Ollie and Michele will be introducing our Mind The Art Gap programme, which provides subject specific support to ensure that early career teachers are able to flourish and develop their practice as art and design educators.
With courses designed specifically for Secondary, Primary and non-specialist educators, the programme not only provides training to develop greater fluency, confidence and decision making in the classroom, but also provides a professional community to connect with a supportive network of your peers.
Register now
