Kevin Dalton-Johnson
President's Award for exemplary practice 2026
About the winner:
Dr Kevin Dalton-Johnson is an international artist, retired educator and researcher with over 30 years’ experience across mainstream, SEND, challenging communications settings, and offender learning.
His practice includes 'Captured Africans', 'As It Is: Statements of Intent' (Dubai), and 'The World Reimagined' masterclass, which interrogate colonial histories and centre Black experience. The first Black Drumcroon artist, he has held international residencies at Tolhuistuin (Amsterdam) and Soleil D’Afrique (Bamako).
He is a co-founder of UBAE, an NSEAD Council Member, and a Trustee of The Portico Library. His current research investigates the lived experiences of Black professionals in English education, exploring systemic racism, well-being, resilience and decolonial, arts-informed methodologies.
Instagram: @kindigo48
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevindaltonjohnson7
What the judges said:
'Kevin’s unique approach to working in schools is grounded in a truly holistic philosophy, one that places history, wellbeing and art at its very centre. Through his MA studies, he has created the time and space to research, refine and share this transformative vision with art educators across the country. His work is helping to shape and develop innovative practice nationally, inspiring new ways of thinking about creativity, learning and wellbeing in education.'
Kevin receiving his award at The National Gallery, 20 June 2026 (Photography by Dan John Lloyd).