Christmas Exhibition: Opening by Stefan Krummaker

Stefan Krummaker, Queen Mary University’s Deputy Vice Principal of Education, opens the 2023 Barts and The London Arts Christmas Exhibition with a few words on the importance of fostering a culture of creative expression in education.

“I’ve already had the pleasure last year to open the exhibition. And when I was asked, I volunteered and said, ‘Of course, I want to be here… to see and to celebrate with you all these great examples of art co-produced by staff and students.’

It’s Queen Mary’s mission to open the doors of opportunity. But with art, we are opening a different door of opportunity. It’s an opportunity to think about ourselves, to reflect, to observe, and also to learn how to express ourselves in a different way. And I think these are all great examples here. I took photos and I will cite from some of the [artworks] I’ve seen. 

It’s helping us to see through a different lens, to think about things through a different lens, and express how we feel.

Freya’s ‘Growing Younger’ (pictured above) is a perfect example of opening the door to reflect. Freya writes:

‘For the earlier years of my medical degree, I often felt like an adult in a child’s body, expected to mature at an exponential rate. Recently, however, I’ve begun to feel more like a small child in an adult body, transitioning from the comfort of familiar labs and lecture halls to the discomfort of unfamiliar corridors. The vast walls have forced me to recognise my childlike naivety in these new settings. A transition can nevertheless be interpreted as growth.So, thinking about myself as a child again, but then as growth. And I do feel I’m growing, I’m learning, I’m adapting like a child.’

I think this is a great example.

With art, we are able to express feelings of belonging — to see, to explore our identity, our belonging as a student, member of staff, and member of the community.

The university has recently mentioned its economic and social impact. By the way — 4.4 billion, which is quite impressive. But I think it’s also now a good time to measure, to assess our intellectual contribution with arts. It’s a thought that I had when I went through the corridors, and I thought about all these great examples of where we had an impact on ourselves and the communities we’re in.

So, how does it all come together with my role? In education, I think what we are seeing here is also a very, very important graduate attribute — creative thinking… and creative expression as well. We can think a lot, but bringing this sort of expression to life on paper is something that I think all our students, we all as members of staff as well, should try to learn.

My last point  is actually on one of the stars (pictured below). I think a fantastic end to what I want to say to you: ‘All voices should be heard and recognized.’ I think this is a fantastic wish on the star, and I wish you a fantastic evening with some great conversations and some great reflections and expressions.”

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Patients as teachers through the arts

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Creative enquiry in medical education