Professor Naren Barfield is an artist, academic and researcher, and an innovative higher education leader
and academic entrepreneur with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in art and design
research, education and internationalisation, working with outstanding talent and teams to deliver successful
collaboration, transformational change, agile innovation, and shared opportunities.
As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Royal College of Art from 2011-2024, he oversaw the
strategic academic direction of the world's leading postgraduate institution for art and design, including 10
years’ unbroken world #1 ranking, along with the #1 position for research intensity, and growth in new
programmes, research and innovation, and partnerships.
He is an Emeritus Professor at RCA, a member of the Board of Trustees at LAMDA, the oldest specialist drama school in the UK, and also
served as a Council Member and Insight and Engagement Champion at Research England, supporting the
development and implementation of policies and strategies that enhance the quality, impact, and diversity of
research and knowledge exchange.
Professor Barfield is an internationally recognised and sought-after expert in creative industries research and
knowledge exchange, undertaking strategic reviews and assessments for a wide range of organisations in
numerous countries, and serving on national and international teaching and research assessment panels.
He is an advisor and assessor to universities, research councils and learned societies around the world,
including as an invited judge for the QS Reimagine Education Awards, a jury member for the Frontier Design
Prize, a keynote speaker to UK parliamentary groups, and as a chair for UK Research Council funding panels
Global experts share best practices in arts, culture education, exploring innovative approaches that enhance creativity, critical thinking, and student development across diverse educational settings.
How can these be adapted to local contexts?
What can educators implement to elevate arts education in their schools?
6-7 October, 2024
This workshop, delivered by Be GLAD in partnership with Spacetoon Education, will highlight a Research-Based AND Field-Tested instructional system that increases critical skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This innovative system has been used extensively to transform districts within the famed Silicon Valley of California and across the US for over 20 years, producing creative problem-solvers of the future. With recent developments in technology, this award-winning instructional system is now moving to empower educators throughout the Middle East and Africa. In this workshop, you’ll learn 5 fundamental instructional strategies from the most effective system and the process to gain mastery of key indicators of success to achieve academic excellence
Innovative programs that promote equity, access, and quality in education and the creative strategies they use to navigate funding challenges and achieve impactful results. This session is packed with thought-provoking discussions and practical takeaways, offering a glimpse into how non-profits are transforming education to shape a brighter future for teaching and learning.
This session brings together content creators who excel in delivering knowledge through storytelling, by weaving complex ideas into engaging narratives.
This discussion focuses on the pivotal role of vocational training in addressing the skills gap and equipping the workforce with the necessary competencies to thrive in today's dynamic job market and how it is enhancing employability and entrepreneurship. We will share insights on effective vocational training models, collaborations between educational institutions and industries, and strategies for preparing individuals for success in the evolving workforce.
Points of Discussions:
Art Residencies as Catalysts for Artistic Growth (skill development, focus and immersion, feedback and critique)
Residencies and Professional Development (networking opportunities, exhibitions and visibility)
Art Residencies as Spaces for Reflection and Conceptual Development (time for reflection, development for new ideas)
Residencies and Education (integration with art education, mentorship and guidance)
Challenges and opportunities (funding, support, residency models)
