Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been selected to organise and host the Council for Higher Education in Art & Design (CHEAD) Annual Conference from 15–17 March 2027.
Titled An empowering force for UK HE Creative Education: Catalysing Change, the three-day event will bring together academic leaders, policymakers and pioneers from across creative higher education to champion the pivotal role of art, design and creative disciplines in shaping an inclusive, innovative and prosperous future.
Lisa Mann, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at AUB, comments, “We are immensely proud to welcome the CHEAD Annual Conference to AUB in 2027. At a time when creative education is pivotal to driving innovation, culture and economic prosperity, this conference is a vital catalyst for change.
“Hosting this event directly aligns with our Strategy 2030+ vision to redefine creative education. As we work towards our ambition to be the go-to entrepreneurial arts university and champion opportunity for all, bringing the sector's leaders together allows us to collectively strengthen our voice, champion creative excellence and empower the next generation of dynamic change-makers.”
Rob Hill, Head of AUB Academy, adds, “We are proud to host the CHEAD Annual Conference in 2027. At a time of unprecedented change, creative education has the power to unlock opportunity, fuel innovation and shape the future workforce.
“With a specialist creative focus, deep industry connections and a commitment to future skills, AUB is uniquely positioned to bring the sector together to imagine what is possible and lead the conversation on what comes next.”
Despite creative education’s significant contribution to economic growth, regional renewal and social mobility across the UK, the sector remains under-valued. Building on the momentum of 2026’s Navigating Change conference, the 2027 gathering serves as a rallying call to action for institutions to unite their collective voice, redefine their purpose and position creative higher education at the forefront of national progress.
Professor David McGravie, Chair of CHEAD, says, “The case for creative education has never been more important. Ambitions for a more inclusive, skilled and regionally balanced economy cannot be realised without recognising the transformative contribution of the art, design and related creative disciplines.
“As the voice for creative education in higher education, the CHEAD community has a unique and valuable role to play. Our 2027 conference will be an opportunity to come together, mobilise our collective expertise and build momentum for change.”
The Conference will take place from 15–17 March 2027 at AUB, exploring the core theme of catalysing change through driving regional renewal, economic growth and opportunity through creative HE.
Further details regarding the keynote speakers, conference programme and delegate registration will be announced in due course.
