Abstract

How important are friendships and peer support in UK Art & Design Higher Education and what can tutors and course teams do to support these relations?

In 2025, I completed my MA in Academic Practice at UAL, where my Major Project focused on mediating conversations and supporting connections between students, especially those from different cohorts. With an interest in participatory practices, I facilitated textiles-based workshops using the cyanotype method to print onto fabric pieces.

Through hosting a similar workshop for staff, I hope to share this experience as well as encourage discussion and further inspiration around pastoral support.

Session and activities

*Please note: I took part in last year’s UAL conference, sharing my quilt (the body of practice from the MA) in the new open space format. I do not feel this gathered much reach and am therefore proposing to share my project again, using a very different format. Happy to discuss!

About me:

As a Lecturer in Fashion Textiles at London College of Fashion, UAL, I teach Print workshops and act as Pastoral Tutor for all BA Print students across years. My role involves supporting student progress and wellbeing, alongside curriculum development that promotes inclusivity.

Why?

By proposing a workshop, I suggest adapting a format from the ‘Crafted Kinship’ workshops created for students, now allowing tutors to experience for themselves how this form of pastoral care can be beneficial.

 

Lesson plan / time scale:

10 min: Introduction of session and purpose

5 min: Personal introductions (name, role)

5 min: explanation of activity

15 min: cyanotype printing, meanwhile using conversation cards to support discussion

5 min: washing of fabrics

10 min: Discussion and feedback

Total: 50 mins

 

Session aims:

• Add some creative fun to the day! Everyone gets to take a fabric piece home
• Facilitate dialogue between UAL colleagues
• Consider barriers to connection between different student cohorts
• Gain feedback and ideas on how to develop the project further
• I have a specific interest in designing and developing my own conversation cards

 

Equipment needed:

• Room with a sink would be great! Or a couple of buckets of water
• Wall plugs (electricity for UV light boxes)

 

Size: 

This type of session would ideally facilitate around 10 people. But happy to discuss – realise this may be a bit small.