John Johnston

Head of Master Kunsteducatie and international Master Artist Educator (Artists Educators as Agents of Ex-Change).

Dr. John Johnston graduated with a PhD from the University of Sunderland, presenting a portfolio and thesis that highlighted what he describes as ‘the intrinsic connectivity between artistic thinking and conflict transformation.’ He asserts that the world is in the grip of an apathetic education system that promotes a culture of inertia. This leads to the depoliticisation of society and a loss of agency. He states that an‘issues based arts education’ counteracts the effect of such inertia and leads to the development of the caring and critical society we need to change the world. He has worked in a variety of conflict and post conflict contexts including; Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Africa, Rwanda, Israel-Palestine and Lebanon.

He is recognised for developing number of arts based methodologies that provide an artistic platform for marginalised and minority communities to gain voice and agency. Research Interests: Conflict Transformation, Arts Based Research, Issues Based Education and Social Engaged Practice.