Our networks
Kingston School of Art has a focus on international collaboration and partnerships, which strategically inform our students' learning, our research and our teaching.
Alongside studio teaching many of our projects are underpinned by collaboration with external partners such as cultural institutions, communities, brands and manufacturers. Our extensive range of visiting practitioners advocate for, and provide insight into the latest developments in the creative disciplines. We continually work on live projects and briefs from industry, which provide our students with essential 'real-world' experiences. We also have a comprehensive international exchange programme with partner art schools world-wide.
We currently work with Tate Modern, The Design Museum, the Institute for Contemporary Arts, the British Film Institute, Amnesty International, English National Opera, Heal's, Random House, John Lewis, Gap and New Balance.
Successful alumni contribute substantially to our global network. Former students are leading practitioners influencing the fields of art and design from architect David Chipperfield CBE to artist Fiona Banner.
Working in partnership
At Kingston School of Art, we believe that our students need to engage with professionals, institutions and employers throughout their period of study. We have developed partnerships with leading organisations across the world to ensure our students are exposed to the latest thinking, techniques and career opportunities.
World-class partners
Many of our partners have a world-class reputation – for example, cultural and professional institutions such as RIBA; Barbican; the Institute for Contemporary Arts; the British Film Institute; Tate; English National Opera; the Design Museum; Henry Moore Institute; Kyoto Institute of Technology; others are household brands, from John Lewis to Urban Outfitters. Some are from the public and third sectors, such as the NHS, Amnesty International, the Sorrell Foundation and the Women's Institute.
Focused relationships
We also have key partners in specialised areas. For example, we are working with Channel 4's Random Acts film-making project; or developing practice-based doctoral networks across Europe in Fine art and in Architecture.
Leading practitioners
Throughout Kingston School of Art a dynamic programme of lectures and visits from leading practitioners are embedded in our curricula. Our staff comprise successful artists, designers, architects, filmmakers, photographers, writers and cultural commentators, working globally.
Global reach
We continue to build our international connections as we seek to identify the best in global practice and engage in worldwide conversations and debates.
Caryn Franklin models outfit by Kasubika Chola Fashion BA (Hons) at Graduate Fashion Week 2017
Loyal friends: Kingston alumni
Kingston School of Art has produced leading experts and practitioners in art and design for over a century. Consequently, its former students now exert a global influence; and the list of senior alumni continues to grow.
Examples of Kingston School of Art's former students include Harper's US editor Glenda Bailey; architectural photographer Richard Bryant; fashion commentator Caryn Franklin; designer Jasper Morrison; sculptor David Nash; and fashion designer John Richmond.
We can say that many of our past students are extremely proud to be alumni of Kingston School of Art. They provide us with a very diverse network of skilled and influential practitioners. They bring a dynamic and external perspective to our students by sharing their insights and expertise as guest speakers.
Recognising achievement: Honorary doctorates
At Kingston School of Art, we give careful thought and consideration to those we recognise through honorary doctorates. We honour people who have significantly influenced and shaped the creative sector, focusing largely on pioneers and visionaries.
As examples, our Honorary Doctors include the following:
- Fiona Banner, Turner Prize-nominated painter
- David Chipperfield CBE, architect
- Matthew Hilton, furniture designer
- James Irving, industrial designer
- Simon Kneen, EVP at Banana Republic, fashion
- Jasper Morrison, designer
- Shelley Page, animator for DreamWorks
Fiona Banner, Artist
Fine Art (Painting) BA(Hons) 1988; HonDFine Art 2007
Nude Standing
Fiona Banner
David Chipperfield CBE, RA, RDI, RIBA Architect
Architecture Dip(Hons) 1976; HonDDes 2008
Museum of Modern Literature
David Chipperfield
Sea Scene
David Chipperfield
Museum of Modern Literature
David Chipperfield
By the Sea
David Chipperfield
Matthew Hilton, Furniture Designer
BA(Hons) Furniture Design 1979, HonDArts 2012
Simon Kneen, Creative Director
BA(Hons) Fashion 1982, HonDArts 2013
Jasper Morrison, Designer
3D Design BA(Hons) 1982; HonDUniv 2007
Making students professionals: Careers
All departments of Kingston School of Art place career-readiness at the heart of their courses. As a result, the School now has successful alumni leading creative practice across the world. Focusing heavily on practice-based learning – and "thinking through making" – ensures our students are continuously supported in the development of both their practice and their professional skills.
Next, we prepare students for professional practice by exposing them to 'live' and externally facing projects. Students use professional contexts and approaches – such as preparing for fashion shows; or involvement in full-scale film-production – to ensure they have significant relevant experience before embarking on future career paths. This is complemented by cutting edge insights from our staff, many of whom are leading practitioners.
Consequently, when they leave Kingston, graduates understand how to strategically engage with the creative and cultural sectors, museums, galleries, curators, publishers, commissioners, funding bodies as well as creating their own employment opportunities.
Finally, we see many careers founded on connections made as students. Visiting speakers, exchange placements, and industry-specified projects give students exposure to employers who recognise quality and talent.
