Kingston School of Art appoints new Head of Department of 3D Design

Mark Gower has been appointed as Head of Department of 3D Design for Kingston School of Art.

KSA has a strong heritage. From its origins in the late 19th Century until 1970, when it merged with what was then Kingston Polytechnic, KSA established an exceptional reputation. It has become one of the UK’s leading art and design educational institutions. This is reflected by the influence of its globally distributed and celebrated alumni, its subject rankings, research performance, and industry and student awards, and by the leading brands and institutions that have chosen to work with it.

The Department comprises a close-knit collaborative family of studio-based courses, the successes of which are built on the quality of its teaching. The content and structure of its courses is inspired by engagement with diverse commercial and community partners and informed by material and manufacturing collaborations and academic research.

Society was tasked to assist KSA in finding an effective leader and manager, who could help to ensure the cohesiveness and collegiality of the Department, engage the curriculum with research and practice, safeguard the clarity of aims and objectives, as well as facilitate and continually improve the quality of teaching in the Department.

Mark said of his appointment: “I first joined Kingston University as an undergraduate student and the institution changed the direction of my life forever. Kingston University gave me a chance, it exposed me to new ways of thinking and creating, and it also introduced me to lifelong friends. So, I am delighted to have the opportunity to re-join the institution I love and who is single-minded in its mission to create life chances for students from all backgrounds just as it did for me. Its progressive Town House Strategy embodies my teaching and leadership philosophies of collaboration, cross-disciplinary practices, engagement with industry and local communities, where educators work alongside students as colleagues and critical practitioners creating together the future skills that industry are looking for.”

Of his experience working with Society, Mark commented: “Society and their team made the academic application process extremely easy to navigate, from providing a comprehensive application information pack, which included helpful dos and don’ts, to being supportive throughout the process. They are an extremely professional and personable organisation, and a joy to work with.”