Centres and institutes_
Arts and Creative Education Research Network
A rich research culture in arts education and creative learning
We support researchers to partner with schools, arts organisations and the community to deepen and extend the evidence base for understanding the arts and creativity in education.
About us
Established in 2014 in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work, we aim to develop partnerships with teachers, schools, artists and others to develop a rich research culture. Our objectives are to:
- increase collaborative research and scholarship opportunities
- provide focus and opportunities for early-career researchers to build and enhance their publication and grant-development skills through mentoring from experienced members of the network
- strengthening research partnerships and partnership activities with schools, professional arts organisations and community arts-based organisations
- organise events including symposiums, workshops and seminars that promote arts and creative learning research
- advocate with state and national governments, corporate and arts-based organisations to promote funding, work and activities in relation to education, creativity and the creative and performing arts.
Our research
Our work investigates three main themes:
- creativity in education
- the arts in education, including drama, theatre and applied theatre, visual arts and literature
- arts-informed research approaches.
Our people
The network comprises academics and researchers from the Sydney School of Education and Social Work, and we welcome scholars from across the University, throughout Australia and from overseas.
- Professor Robyn Ewing, Teacher Education and the Arts
- Professor Michael Anderson, Education (Arts and Creativity)
- Dr Nikki Brunker, Lecturer, Primary Curriculum Stidies
- Dr Jon Callow, Senior Lecturer, English Education K-6; Program Director, MTeach(Primary)
- Dr Kelly Freebody, Senior Lecturer, Drama Education
- Associate Professor Robyn Gibson, Visual and Creative Arts Education
- Associate Professor Jacqueline Manuel, English Education Program Director
- Dr Alison O'Grady, Program Director, Combined Degrees; Creativity and Teacher Artistry
- Dr Kathleen Rushton, Lecturer in English
- Dr Jen Scott Curwood, Senior Lecturer, Secondary English Curriculum Coordinator
- Associate Professor Alyson Simpson, English and Literacy Education
- Bill Spence, Lecturer
- Catherine Smyth, Lecturer
Our events
We host and participate in events and activities open to researchers, students, community groups and government representatives.
How schools can be relevant in the 21st century
8 June 2017
A panel discussion about transforming schools, held as part of the 2017 Dean's Lecture Series.
Learning from Country
15 May to 30 July 2017
An exhibition of original artwork and materials showcasing the journey behind a series of multi-award-winning books. Arranged in conjunction with the Sydney School of Education and Social Work's artist-in-residence program.
Exploring Shakespeare Reloaded
25 May 2017
Shakespeare Reloaded is a collaborative project in which secondary and tertiary educators can explore the teaching and learning of Shakespeare. The seminar shares details of some of the initiatives and resources developed as part of the project.
Presentations by Professor Terry Locke and Dr Millie Locke
21 March 2017
- Creativity and the construction of knowledge in cross-curricular settings
- The Orff approach in the professional lives and teachers in the Aotearoa/New Zealand school context
Professor Terry Locke, University of Waikato, New Zealand and Dr Millie Locke
On being Greene
2 February 2017
Documentary screening and discussion about the life and work of renowned educational philosopher Maxine Greene. View more information (PDF/505KB).
Two presentations in one
21 July 2016
- Teaching communication skills through drama
- How to engage young children in learning
Dr Madonna Stinson, Griffith University
Using video in academic research
16 March 2016
Dr Anne Harris, Monash University
Arts-informed approaches to higher degree by research supervision
9 March 2016
Professor Peter O'Connor, The University of Auckland
