Critical Tension

Second year FdA Design/ Illustration students presented their ‘Hashtag Manifestos’ last week at the ‘Critical Tensions’ conference at the St Bride Library. Course Leader, Derek Yates, introduced the project as an example of learning that redefines conventional definitions of vocational education and work based learning. Popular perception draws a distinction between vocational and academic learning, between the practitioner and the educator, between industry and education. This view says that the sort of research that enables innovation and new ways of thinking is distinct from activity that improves employability. The term ‘vocational’ is thought to imply a short-term fix, associated with passive thinkers and technicians only able to work under instruction. A more contemporary approach sees creative thinking, innovation and employability as intrinsically linked. According to Sir George Cox, former Chair of the Design Council, ‘Creativity – the base for innovation – has never been more important. For business, it holds the key not just to success, but to survival.’

At the conference Derek called for a re-evaluation of the relationship between creative education and the employers it serves in order to instigate research that has resonance outside the academic environment. Demonstrating how projects like this investigate the potential of partnerships with the creative industries that encourage an exchange of ideas that has genuine benefits for both parties.

The conference is featured on Eye Magazine blog and more photographs of the event can be found here.