The Council for Higher Education in Art & Design

CHEAD is the association of educational institutions with degree or postgraduate provision in art and design.

About CHEAD

CHEAD provides a voice for and on behalf of higher education art and design in the UK four nations advancing knowledge and understanding in the sector and promoting the sector’s interests to others. We carry out research, scan the policy horizon, brief our members, facilitate networking opportunities for senior staff from within and outside HE as well as helping to shape higher education art and design policy on our members’ behalf. We facilitate specialist internal networks supporting art and design research leaders, Subject Associations, and HE gallery leaders.

Members

Art & design graduates each year

Value of research income in millions

Facing the Future: Planning for Generation Z/Alpha/C

In the coming years, the higher education sector will need to prepare for the arrival of Generation Z, Alpha and C cohorts. The first generation to be brought up in the digital world, educators need to be thinking now about how their experience will shape their learning and behaviour.

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Graduate Showcases 2021

Find links to all 2021 online graduate showcases from participating CHEAD members to promote and showcase this years cohort and celebrate their achievement.

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Research Alliance

The CHEAD Research Alliance brings together researchers and researcher leaders within CHEAD members institutions and holds regular events for members of the Alliance throughout the year.

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It was my first visit to such an event - having only recently been made course leader. I found the experience very valuable, not only in terms of the discussions and presentations but also as a social / networking event. It's good to feel part of a community. The organisation and hospitality was incredibly well organised and welcomed

– University of Cumbria

I have to say I thought the day was excellent - as per usual - each talk sparked many ideas of how we could make significant improvements in Portsmouth. I have decided that these need to be attended by more than one person from my School / Faculty going forward though, and then try and clear the day following to discuss and digest through follow up planning meetings! Thanks again for another excellent day and for all your hard work at CHEAD.

– University of Portsmouth

Latest News & Resources

Leading UK visual arts institutions & art schools unite against proposed government cuts to arts education

May 12, 2021

The Council for Higher Education in Art and Design (CHEAD) is proud to be one of over 300 signatories to the open letter to Secretary of Education Gavin Williamson against the proposed cuts to arts education. Read the letter in full:...

Leeds Beckett University’s (LBU) interactive model of new £80m Leeds School of Arts building

May 11, 2021

Leeds Beckett University’s (LBU) new £80m Leeds School of Arts building can now be seen in full detail for the very first time thanks to a cutting edge, interactive model just released online. The virtual tour of the flagship building is among the largest of its kind...

ArtsThread 20% discount offer to CHEAD Members

May 10, 2021

Are you planning on showcasing your graduating students end of year projects online in 2021? CHEAD members can benefit from a 20% discount for their end of year student showcase bespoke app for each university or college. As you may know ArtsThread recently created an...

Members’ Gallery

Higher education art and design sits at the heart of the UK’s world leading creative industries. Visit our gallery to view more work produced within CHEAD member institutions.

In addition, we run a network for staff from CHEAD member galleries. Find out more information about the network.

View the full gallery

Member Profiles

Newcastle University

Our reputation is built on world-leading teaching, alongside world-leading research, disseminated in the form of publications, exhibitions, installations and interventions.

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Leeds School of Arts

Leeds School of Arts, with a history that spans over 170 years is united by a common goal: to encourage individuality, to inspire creativity, and to create impact.

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