Susan Coles

Susan is an artist educator who is based in North East England, and works nationally and internationally. Susan has been drawing since she could hold a crayon in her hand. After a successful career in secondary art education and eventually as an Advanced Skills Teacher, she became an independent visual art and Arts/Creativity adviser and consultant.

She has many roles and that currently includes the joyful role of being a Trustee of AccessArt. Some other roles are: Vice President of InSEA (International Society of Education through Art, the official UNESCO organisation for visual art education globally), Chair of governors Brighton Avenue Primary School, Secretary to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Art Craft Design Education, founder of NEATEN North East Art Teacher Educator Network, honorary fellow of NSEAD popular keynote speaker, visiting Professor University of Sunderland, member of several Arts advisory boards, networker, critical friend, and champion and activist for art education.

Susan works across schools, colleges, universities, Initial Teacher Education, in museums and galleries, runs CPD for local authorities, Trusts and AccessArt, and keeps a healthy presence via social media as @theartcriminal. Susan also helped set up Sketchbook Circle and takes part in this annual artist teacher exchange every year. She has often said that “art gave me my voice” and it has.

Find out more at Susan’s LinkedIn.