Q&A with Kremena Dimitrova
Kremena was on the Art and Design in Education MA, class of 2016. Since graduating, she has become the Illustrator in Residence at Benjamin Franklin House and began a PhD in Visualising History.
*From the 2023/2024 academic year onwards, this degree has been renamed as the Art Education, Culture and Practice MA.
Hi again, Kremena!
What did you enjoy most about your Master's programme?
I enjoyed the opportunity to critically reflect on my professional practice as an Illustrator and Art and Design Lecturer. I was able to identify areas that needed improvement and develop theoretical and practical solutions.
I particularly enjoyed the Material and Virtual Cultures: Transforming the Museum and Gallery Experience module, which we shared with the Museums and Galleries in Education MA course. I am interested in using illustration for visualising history in museum and heritage settings and so this module was very relevant for me. It enabled me to engage with students from a different course, identify challenges and discuss creative possibilities in the museum sector. Lastly, it led to my current work as the Illustrator in Residence at Benjamin Franklin House.
What is it like to study at the UCL Institute of Education?
I am proud to have studied my MA at such a prestigious university. My lecturers were accomplished academics with wide-ranging experience in art, design and education, and I was able to meet and work with other successful creative practitioners. Together, we could discuss and reflect on current issues in our field.
I created lasting contacts and connections with my lecturers and colleagues and I continue to collaborate with them on creative and educational projects."
What is it like to study in the heart of London?
The location of the IOE was important to me as a part-time student who had to mix studies with professional practice. It was convenient to be close to major museums, galleries and other institutions in central London.
How were you supported in your development during your time here?
I was supported through talks, events, seminars and lectures, which often involved visiting academics and practitioners with extensive knowledge and experience. I was also supported through timely and valuable feedback and input in the form of one-to-one tutorials with my lecturers. I found these meetings central to the development of my projects.
How has your MA contributed to your career?
I have been inspired and influenced by the professionalism of my lecturers and their obvious interest in and love for the field of art and design in education. Both my current role as the Illustrator in Residence at Benjamin Franklin House and the practice-based PhD in Visualising History that I am embarking on have transpired because of the MA.
"I am proud to have studied my MA at such a prestigious university."
More information about the Art Education, Culture and Practice MA
