The art of gender: creating and reclaiming identity

Download a copy of Aaron & Suzy's workshop presentation.

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Workshop aims & outcomes

• To explore how gender norms and stereotypes are constructed, reinforced and challenged through art and media.
• To raise awareness of the social and cultural pressures shaping contemporary understandings of masculinity, with a focus on countering toxic representations.
• To provide educators and practitioners with tools to critically engage with gender representation in classroom practice.
• To foster dialogue around gender equity, inclusive pedagogies and transformative approaches to gender identity through creative expression.
• A further understanding of how to establish an environment where children feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and express themselves without fear of judgment or restriction.

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Aaron Duffett is an experienced art educator with a teaching background that spans students aged 5 to 18. He has held various positions in both primary and secondary schools, in the UK and internationally. This August, he will step into the role of Assistant Director of Creative Arts at a newly established school in Saudi Arabia.

Aaron's passion for teaching art is reflected in his ability to create engaging, dynamic curricula incorporating 21st-century challenges and contemporary themes into the educational framework.

Suzy Tutchell is an Associate Professor in art education at the Institute of Education, University of Reading. She has extensive experience as an art subject leader in London primary schools before transitioning to roles as a creativity and early years consultant.

For the past fifteen years, Suzy has worked in higher education, currently leading the art specialism in the BA Primary Education programme and the creativity pathway in the master’s in education. She also serves as the school director for racial equity and justice. As an artist-researcher-teacher, Suzy continues to develop her art practice and social justice through diverse creative methods.

Read the Gender, Art and Transformative Education (GATE) special issue of AD magazine (no.42).

Guest edited by Suzy Tutchell, and including articles by both Suzy and Aaron.