2024 Patron’s Empowering Change Award Winner
Jessica Austin‑Burdett is a dynamic art and design educator whose career has been defined by creative leadership, innovative pedagogy, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of the arts. With extensive experience across diverse inner‑city schools, she has held a wide range of teaching and leadership roles that have shaped her distinctive approach to arts-based education.
An accomplished mentor and teacher‑trainer, Jessica has led and contributed to numerous interdisciplinary projects that bring subjects into meaningful dialogue, strengthening her belief in the importance of cross-curricular collaboration as a catalyst for student engagement and imagination. Her practice is rooted in the conviction that creativity is not an isolated skill but a universal human capacity that should sit at the heart of every child’s educational experience.
Jessica is an active participant in a wide range of creative and educational communities, championing the arts as essential to personal development, cultural understanding, and wellbeing. Jessica completed an MA in education whilst having her first child, further enriching her research‑informed approach to teaching and learning. She has presented at national events and conferences, contributed to publications and professional forums, and continues to advocate for the arts as a fundamental human right.
At the core of her philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: we are all artists, and art—both as a practice and a way of seeing—should be woven into the fabric of every learner’s journey.
“Jessica Austin-Burdett’s work demonstrates her exceptional mentorship and unwavering support for colleagues. Her dedication goes above and beyond, providing invaluable guidance that empowers fellow educators. Equally striking are the vivid images capturing the creativity and impact of her work, reflecting the passion she brings to every aspect of her practice. This well-deserved recognition honours not only her outstanding artistic contributions but also the inspiration she provides to the entire art education community.”