Arts University Plymouth appoints new joint Postgraduate Course Leaders

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Becky Dodman Wainwright</strong> is a multi-disciplinary textile designer, artist, and researcher known for her expertise in colour theory, sustainable textiles, and co-design methodologies. As a research-active contributor to the Making Futures Research Group, Becky’s work on non-extractive knowledge exchange directly informs postgraduate teaching at Arts University Plymouth. Her research explores how heritage crafts and textile practices can support social engagement, wellbeing, and sustainability.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her collaborations include co-authoring research with the <strong>Museum of London</strong>, focusing on textiles, heritage, and community wellbeing, and contributing to the <strong>British Tapestry Group’s 20th Anniversary Exhibition</strong>, helping to support the curation of the exhibition when it comes to Plymouth next year. Becky’s Arts Council England-funded research into participatory textile design has also been widely exhibited and featured in publications such as <strong>New York’s Talking Textile Magazine, The Sunday Times, </strong>and<strong> VICE</strong>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jason Hirons</strong> is an artist, writer, and educator whose work explores landscape, materiality, performance writing, and critical theory. With years of experience teaching at MA and MFA level, Jason has shaped postgraduate education across multiple disciplines, from Illustration to Fine Art and Photography. His research in critical and performative practices challenges students to interrogate their creative work through innovative research methodologies, ensuring they graduate with a strong conceptual foundation as well as technical expertise.</p> <p dir="ltr">A former student of <strong>Dartington College of Arts</strong>, Jason holds a <strong>Masters by Research in Landscape</strong> from the University of Plymouth and is a doctoral candidate at the<strong> Institute of Education</strong>, researching the future of art schools and creative learning communities. As Course Leader for Distance Learning at Arts University Plymouth, Jason has developed innovative online and hybrid education models, working with students worldwide. His <strong>practice-led research has been presented internationally</strong> through <strong>published texts, performances, and exhibitions</strong>, and he is a founding member of <strong>Interchange</strong>, an art and architecture collective exploring <strong>place-based learning and creative education</strong>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Associate Professor Stephanie Owens</strong>, Dean of Arts, Design and Media at Arts University Plymouth, welcomed Becky and Jason’s appointment, saying: "Becky and Jason bring a wealth of expertise in creative research, practice-based learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Becky's work in non-extractive knowledge exchange and Jason’s research in critical and performative practices reflect the values of our expanding postgraduate community. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping a dynamic, research-driven MA environment where students can challenge conventions, develop innovative methodologies, and push the boundaries of contemporary creative practice."</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking about her new role, <strong>Becky Dodman Wainwright</strong> said: "I’m passionate about fostering a postgraduate community where students feel empowered to take risks, experiment with materials, and explore how creative practice can impact society. Arts University Plymouth has an incredible ecosystem of resources, from the Natural Dye Lab to our immersive media studios, and I’m excited to see how students push the boundaries of what’s possible."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Jason Hirons</strong> added: "Postgraduate study is a unique time for artists and designers to interrogate their work, refine their critical voice, and make meaningful contributions to their fields. I’m looking forward to working with our students as they explore new ideas, challenge disciplinary boundaries, and develop practices that engage with the wider world."<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Prospective students can meet Becky Dodman-Wainwright, Jason Hirons, and other postgraduate academics at Arts University Plymouth’s Postgraduate<strong> Open Day </strong>on<strong> Saturday 5 April, 10:00am to 2:00pm</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The event will offer a chance to explore the university’s world-class facilities, learn more about the new MA courses launching in 2025, and discover how postgraduate study can help develop creative careers.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.aup.ac.uk/events/openday-ugpg-apr25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Register now to attend </a></strong></p>