Art practices and social impact: A symposium inspired by The Herds Project

This symposium explores the impact of practice‑based research in the arts using The Herds—a large‑scale public art project featuring life‑size animal puppets travelling thousands of kilometres to highlight the climate crisis— as a case study. Focus will also be on the project's collaboration with Wimbledon College of Arts on design, making and technician‑led innovation. Alongside other examples of arts‑based research, the project highlights innovative pedagogy, sustainability, and the wider social impact generated through collaborative partnerships led by UAL staff and researchers.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the event. Throughout the day, we will showcase relevant student work and feature short performances. The day concludes with an informal drinks reception and an opportunity for attendees to continue conversations.

Schedule

Opening Keynote: The Impact of Practice-Based Research in the Arts

Professor Maria Chatzichristodoulou, Professor of Performance and Digital Transformation, Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange, Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, UAL.

Professor Erika Hughes, Professor of Performance and Society, Associate Dean of Research, Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, UAL

Professors MariaChatzichristodoulou and ErikaHughes explore the role of artistic practice and practice-based research in responding to urgent social and environmental challenges. Through case studies spanning climate action, health inequalities and questions of access and representation, they seek to open a dialogue about how the arts can meaningfully engage with, and potentially transform, contemporary social realities.

Panel: Innovative Pedagogies in Practice

Dr. Esther Armstrong, Programme Director for Theatre Screen and Performance Arts, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL

Led by Dr. Esther Armstrong, this panel outlines a collaborative pedagogy developed through the Puppet Project. With contributions from Lucie Dinsdale, Carig Leo, Tundra Dunkley, and Siphokazi Mpofu, the session includes:

• A student-led spin-off on Digital Conservation demonstrating approaches to sustaining socially engaged practice in digital form.

• A case study video exploring the Tusk/Turtle public art projects at Westbrook Gallery, with insights from Chris Westbrook, Paul Dart (James Glancy Design), and Michele Clarke (Project Zero), highlighting synergies between education and public action art.

• The session includes a live Herds puppet demonstration.

Making Workshop: Sustainability and Technician-Led Innovation

Richard Barton, Associate Head of Technical Resources, CCW, UAL.
Tyson Howard, Specialist Technician L＆T 3D Workshops 3D Digital, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL

In this interactive session, participants will engage in the creation of a card “school” of mackerel, collectively puppeteered to highlight pressing marine conservation concerns. Guided by Richard Barton and Tyson Howard, this workshop models how interactive objects can make ecological data visible, embodied, and emotionally resonant.

Panel: Working in Partnership for Social Impact

Jayne Knowles, Dean ofArtand Performance, CCW, UAL
Dr Leon Barker, Reader in Performance, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL

This panel will give an overview of the methodology of collaboration between University of the Arts London and industry partners. Starting with The Herds as an example, Jayne Knowles and Dr Leon Baker will reflect upon the creative and partnership-driven model pioneered by The Walk Productions and the two-year journey of collaborative development for The Herds.

Closing Keynote

Amir NizarZuabi, Artistic Director of The Walk Productions

The day concludes with a keynote address from Amir Nizar Zuabi, Artistic Director of The Walk Productions, the company behind groundbreaking global performance projects such as The Herds and Little Amal.