Susan M Coles

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost (Keynote Lecture)

Abstract:

In a world marked by conflict, displacement, and rapid change, art education offers a space to wander — with purpose. This talk explores how creative exploration can nurture understanding, empathy, and peace. Drawing on my own lifelong practice with learners of all ages and backgrounds, I will reflect on how art educators respond to shifting grounds with curiosity, care, and conviction. Wandering becomes a metaphor for pedagogical openness — for resisting rigid outcomes and embracing uncertainty as fertile ground for connection and transformation. What if permanence in art education is not about fixed content, but sustaining values — like hope, justice, and the possibility of peace? This invites us to see art education as a radical act of care, where no one is truly lost, and everyone belongs. This is not only what I do, but it is who I am — someone who walks alongside you all, my fellow art education advocates, in the belief that through art, we come to know ourselves, each other, and the world we hope to shape.

Unexpected Connections: Creating with Exquisite Corpse (Workshop)

Abstract:

This workshop invites participants to engage with the Surrealist technique of cadavre exquis, or “Exquisite Corpse,” a collaborative drawing game that explores creativity through the unexpected intersections of individual imaginations. Originally devised by Surrealist artists in the 1920s, this activity involved creating a single figure or scene through the contributions of multiple artists, each unaware of the others’ input until the final reveal. By participating in this timeless exercise, attendees will experience a playful and thought-provoking way of uniting individual and collective visual expression, bringing together disparate styles and ideas into surprising, cohesive images. In this session, participants will form small groups and take turns drawing sections of a figure on folded paper, concealing each section as they progress. This process emphasises trust in the creative potential of others and allows for experimentation free from self-consciousness. We will also discuss the historical context and philosophical underpinnings of Exquisite Corpse in Surrealism, including its connections to ideas about chance, spontaneity, and the subconscious mind. This workshop is designed for all skill levels and will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the value of collaborative and open-ended approaches in art-making. Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for how play and collective creativity can lead to fresh perspectives and unexpected insights in both artistic practice and art education.

Advocacy and Networking Board of InSEA: Amplifying Voices: Shaping InSEA Membership for Greater Impact (Panel)

Chair: Susan Coles – Vice-President of InSEA, UK

Amanda Alexander – Miami University of Ohio, USA

Patsey Bodkin – School of Education, NCAD, Dublin, Ireland

Timothy Dacanay – De la Salle College of Saint Benilde, School of Arts, Culture and Performance, Manila, Philippines

Rolf Laven – University College of Teacher Education, Vienna, Austria

Angela Reid – AME World Councillor InSEA / Kingdom Schools, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

This panel invites InSEA members to actively participate in a dynamic discussion about their aspirations, needs, and expectations from their membership. Organised by the Advocacy and Networking group, the session provides a unique opportunity for members to voice their ideas and experiences directly with those who advocate for their interests. InSEA is committed to fostering a global network that supports art educators, practitioners, and researchers; this panel seeks to strengthen that commitment by listening closely to what members want and need to thrive in their professional and creative endeavors. During this interactive session, members will be encouraged to share their views on essential aspects of their InSEA experience, from professional development opportunities and advocacy priorities to networking support and resource availability. We’ll also explore potential initiatives the panel could pursue to address these needs, bridging communication between members and organisational leadership to promote a responsive, impactful community. Attendees will leave knowing that their voices have been heard and valued. The insights gathered from this session will help shape future offerings, reinforcing InSEA’s dedication to a vibrant, inclusive membership experience that aligns with members’ evolving professional contexts and ambitions. This panel is an invitation to contribute to the ongoing development of InSEA. Join us as we work together to build a more supportive, responsive, and globally connected organisation for all who value the transformative power of art education.

Biography:

Susan M Coles is an artist/art educator based in the U.K. Susan began her career as a secondary school art teacher and has since moved through many roles to become the activist and champion that she is today.

She currently has a diverse range of roles and titles, which can  be seen at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-m-coles-47518911/  Susan first joined InSEA in 2013, and has been a member of InSEA Council since 2017, as a  World Councillor (where she led on the creation of the InSEA Manifesto) , and more recently as one of the two Vice Presidents. She is the chair of the Advocacy and Networking Board of InSEA and also behind the social media voice of InSEA. In 2024, she led on the celebrations of InSEA’s 70th birthday, including co-editing the publication ‘Through Art: InSEA@70’ which can be seen here https://www.insea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/THROUGH_ART_InSEA_@70_full_book.pdf

Susan maintains her art practice through projects such as Sketchbook Circle https://www.sketchbookcircle.com/ which she helped to found. Her long term mantra is ‘Art gave me my voice’.