IN-PERSON MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY. SECTION A

Abstract

The presentation will explore the Day School model—an alternative art school in Bristol where I serve as the director. A direct reaction against the landscape of formalised arts education, Day School champions a more open, flexible, and inclusive approach to learning. I’ll make the case for the transformative power of collective work outside of traditional educational settings and beyond accredited learning. Art outside of institutional structures is, in itself, a form of resistance, challenging traditional hierarchies and opening up new avenues for creative expression. Investing in arts education is not only a social act but a political one, as it challenges regressive narratives and supports the creation of alternative spaces for dialogue and expression. By highlighting our approach, I’ll delve into key principles such as peer-led learning, accessibility, diversity, and community. The involvement of individual participants is essential to making Day School the effective and forward-thinking space it is, as their contributions help shape the direction of the programme. We also invite inspirational and important guest artists and educators to deliver content into our programme, broadening the learning experience with new perspectives and knowledge. Through a series of illustrations, I’ll reflect on the highs and lows from the past four years and share insights from various cohorts of Day School. As we look ahead to expanding to new locations next year, I’ll discuss what we’ve learned and what’s next for this evolving model.