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Appointment

Kingston School of Art appoints new Head of Department of Performing Arts

 

 

Stephen Mason has been appointed as Head of Department of Performing Arts for Kingston School of Art (KSA).

KSA has established an exceptional reputation, and 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 of Performing Arts at Kingston offers a dynamic, exploratory environment. Many of its courses are relatively new, which means they are fresh, ambitious, and innovative. Drama and dance students benefit from close associations with professional companies and theatres. Music students have lessons from top London professionals, including legendary music producer Tony Visconti. The Department’s diverse performing arts students often participate in multidisciplinary performance projects which expose them to real-life experiences and develop their skills for future employment opportunities.

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.

Stephen joined KSA in 2016 following a successful career as a dance artist, teacher and project manager working in a variety of community and education settings.  He continues some of this work as a Dance Artist for Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance's youth programme, and as a Teacher Training Mentor for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Stephen said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be moving into the role of Head of Department of Performing Arts at KSA.  It is an incredibly exciting time to be taking on this role to support the development of the already vibrant performing arts community at the university that provides a rich and diverse learning environment to prepare students for working in the arts industry.  I look forward to working with colleagues in this new role.”

Of his experience working with Society, Stephen commented: “The support Society provided me through the application and interview stages of this appointment was invaluable.  Society enabled me to gain a better understanding of the skills and experience I could offer this appointment whilst being guided through a transparent and rigorous application process.”

 

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