Celebrating women driving change at Arts University Plymouth

<p dir="ltr"><em>"Education and the Arts have the power to shape and challenge perspectives, build confidence, and create meaningful change."</em></p> <p dir="ltr">As Course Leader for <strong>BA (Hons) Fine Art</strong>, Sarah King is both an educator and a practicing artist, exploring <strong>memory, materiality, and the uncanny</strong> in her research. Passionate about fostering <strong>dialogue, debate, and critical thinking</strong> in the studio, Sarah encourages students to take risks, refine their artistic voice, and develop resilience as creative practitioners.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>"Seeing someone find their voice, take risks, and be brave enough to show themselves in their practice is truly inspiring. It reaffirms why I work in education."</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Sarah’s research, <em>The Lost Object</em>, examines how discarded and found materials carry memory and history. She recently presented this work at the <strong>8th International Interdisciplinary Conference on Memory, Forgetting and Creating</strong>, positioning Arts University Plymouth as a leader in practice-led research.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>"Sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about mindfulness, a way of living and working with low impact."</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Through her work, Sarah empowers students to engage with contemporary debates in fine art, sustainability, and research-led practice, ensuring they graduate with the skills and awareness to <strong>create meaningful, lasting change</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">&#x1f517;<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/research-memory-materiality-sarah-king-lost-object" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Read more about Sarah’s research into memory and materiality.</a><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">"I prioritise the long-term needs of the university community, ensuring that improvements are not only safe, efficient, and effective but also aligned with the university’s sustainability goals."</p> <p dir="ltr">From reducing <strong>carbon emissions</strong> to making the university <strong>more energy efficient</strong>, <strong>Sarah Hyatt</strong> plays a vital role in <strong>Arts University Plymouth’s sustainability strategy</strong>. Under her leadership, the university has:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Transitioned to 100% renewable electricity</strong>, reducing our carbon footprint.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Installed an electric glass furnace</strong>, cutting energy consumption by 80% and saving over <strong>39 tonnes of CO₂ per year</strong>.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Replaced traditional vehicles with electric transport</strong>, reducing emissions across campus.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Introduced campus-wide LED lighting</strong>, improving efficiency and reducing electricity use by two-thirds.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">"Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste or using less energy—it’s about embedding long-term change into the way we manage and develop our facilities," Sarah explains. "From waste reduction in The Refectory to supporting sustainable travel for staff and students, my work ensures that sustainability is part of the everyday experience at Arts University Plymouth."</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/about-us/sustainability" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Read more about sustainability at Arts University Plymouth.</strong></a><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">"From the moment I joined, it felt like I had come home - I completely belonged here."</p> <p dir="ltr">With a passion for <strong>education and research</strong>,<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/resources/academic-skills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <strong>Donna Gundry</strong></a> has been instrumental in supporting both <strong>students and staff</strong> at Arts University Plymouth. She became the <strong>first member of staff to qualify as an HEA Senior Fellow</strong> after the university was granted <strong>full university title</strong>, a milestone that reflects her dedication to professional development.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her work ensures that students <strong>develop strong research skills</strong> from induction to graduation, and she is equally committed to supporting fellow educators in their careers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Helping staff develop their own careers in education has been an incredibly fulfilling part of my work," Donna says. "Seeing students ‘get it’ when research becomes easier for them is a defining moment - I know I’ve made a difference."</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/resources/academic-skills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Read more about the Library and Academic Skills support at Arts University Plymouth.</strong></a><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">"Education and the arts are evolving spaces. Stay open to new perspectives, technologies, and ways of working that challenge and expand your practice."</p> <p dir="ltr">As <strong>Joint Postgraduate Course Leader</strong>, <strong>Becky Dodman-Wainwright</strong> brings extensive experience in <strong>textile design, sustainable practice, and research-led education</strong>. Her work explores <strong>non-extractive collaboration</strong>, ensuring that postgraduate students <strong>engage in ethical, community-led research and creative practice</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her expertise has shaped <strong>Arts University Plymouth’s expanding MA provision</strong>, including new postgraduate degrees in <strong>Design, Communication Design, Fashion, Textiles, and Built Environment</strong>. Becky’s recent research includes:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Collaborations with the Museum of London</strong> on textiles, heritage, and community wellbeing.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Co-authoring research for Arts Council England</strong> on participatory textile design.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Leading discussions at the Making Futures symposium</strong> on sustainability in creative practice.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">“I work surrounded by the most incredible women at Arts University Plymouth,’ Becky said, “who have supported my journey as an academic and artist. I would not be where I am today without the friendships and support I have both given and received.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-appoints-new-joint-postgraduate-course-leaders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Read more about Becky’s appointment as our new Joint Postgraduate Course Leader. </strong></a><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">As we celebrate <strong>International Women’s Day</strong>, we also reaffirm our commitment to:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Championing sustainability</strong>, ensuring our creative community leads in environmental responsibility.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Empowering future leaders in creative education</strong>, supporting staff and students in their professional development.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Creating an inclusive and supportive environment</strong>, where talent thrives and innovation flourishes.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">At Arts University Plymouth we try to act as a catalyst for positive change in the world. Through the leadership of staff like Sarah, Donna, and Becky, we are shaping a university where creativity drives progress, equity, and sustainability.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Join the conversation and celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of creative education.</strong><br /></p>