Alex Soulsby
Creative Education Specialist
Chiang Mai
Summary
As an award-winning Creative Education Specialist, my expertise bridges the gap between theory and innovative practice on both national and international stages. Skilled in collaborating with senior leadership within schools, informal educational bodies, regional and national governments, I specialize in devising and implementing innovative creative education programs. These initiatives, celebrated with numerous accolades worldwide, aim to integrate the arts and cultural engagement into curricula, fostering ‘education for creativity’ and connecting schools with their communities. My passion lies in enhancing student engagement and instilling a global understanding of creative thinking, through strategic partnerships that enrich educational experiences across diverse age groups and disciplines.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Creative Director
Prem Tinsulanonda International School/Artist Residency Thailand
08.2014 - Current
- Serving as a key advisor to M.L (Lord) Tri Devakul, his Founder’s Council, Senior Leadership and Education Committee, to forge and guide ‘education for creativity’ initiatives across Prem International School and the wider institution, developing both school and organizational culture, reputation and visibility
- Founding and leading Prem’s award-winning Artist Residency Thailand programme/learning laboratory, its 500 plus annual applications, and eight annual school-integrated residencies
- Collaborating and mentoring teaching-staff across all four IB programmes, delivering staff training and developing curriculum that focuses on interdisciplinary work, education for creativity and community collaboration
- Establishing and maintaining international networks and collaborations that allow for strategic, creative partnerships between Prem, local, national, and international arts, cultural and academic sectors, including founding one of three international creativity centers with ISTA (International Schools Theatre Association).
Creative Education Development Consultant
Traidhos Three Generation Community for Learning/ KG Group
09.2012 - 07.2013
- Provided expert consultancy services to youth-focused arts organizations, leading to the successful integration of ‘best-practice’ educational practices in creativity and the arts and measurably improved student engagement
- Instrumental in developing strategic plans for educational organisations, fostering a culture of excellence in creative thinking and educational integration
- Collaborated with boards of directors and school leaders to design and implement comprehensive arts integration programs, aligning with IB standards and principles, to nurture creativity and critical thinking skills in students across various age groups
- Actively participated in international forums and panels as a thought leader in arts education, advocating for the vital role of creativity in holistic learning, and influencing policy changes in both institutions regarding ‘education for creativity’.
Creative Projects & Education Manager
Royal & Derngate
09.2006 - 09.2012
- Spearheaded redevelopment of education and outreach programs at Royal & Derngate regional arts centre, successfully engaging with over 3,000 young people per month post a £15 million refurbishment
- Served as Regional Producer for the Royal National Theatre and played integral roles on numerous boards and steering groups for local, regional, and national education policies concerning Arts, Cultural Engagement, Young People and Policy Development
- Instrumental in the recognition of Royal & Derngate as 'Theatre and Arts Centre of the Decade' by The Guardian and 'Regional Theatre of the Year', attributing significantly to the theatre's education and outreach achievements
- Twice nominated for the British National Charity Award for outstanding project work in education and outreach; served on the national steering group for the English National Youth Arts Network and led Sir Ken Robinson's last national campaign in the UK, 'Youth Arts, Transforms Lives'.
Creative Projects & Arts Education Manager/Facilitator
Freelance
07.2005 - 09.2006
- Supported innovative arts projects across UK museums, galleries, and theatres.
- Curated exhibitions and education projects to bridge arts and public engagement.
- Supported educational programs fostering creative appreciation among diverse audiences, including 'hard to reach' demographics
- Fostered strategic collaborations with artists, educators, and cultural institutions.
Head of High-School Art & Design
Bilkent International School
09.2002 - 06.2005
- Led the High School Visual Arts department, incorporating IGCSE and IB program standards into curriculum development.
- Organized student art exhibitions, promoting school community engagement and showcasing artistic talent.
- Conducted professional development for educators, focusing on innovative teaching methods in arts education.
- Fostered global art perspectives through international education collaborations, both locally and with TATE Modern
Art & Drama Teacher
Lanna International School
08.1997 - 06.2002
- Served as the foundational Art and Drama teacher for grades 1 through 10, shaping the initial creative education framework.
- Led on the integration of the IGCSE Art & Design program into the school’s curriculum
- Developed and delivered a comprehensive arts/drama education, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Education
CEEL Certificate in Educational Leadership -
Harvard
Harvard Graduate School Of Education, Cambridge 02.2024 - Current
BA (hons) Fine Art -
Coventry University
Coventry, UK 09.1994 - 05.1997
Cambridge Foundation Diploma, Art & Design -
Winchester School of Art
Winchester, UK 09.1993 - 05.1994
Some College (No Degree) - Arts
Peter Symonds College
Winchester, UKSkills
Collaborative Leader, Cross-Industry Literate, Globally Networked, Solution Oriented, Imaginative Thinker, Curriculum Innovation Specialist, Creative Learning Advocate, Empathetic Problem Solver, Learning Experience Designer, Critical Thinking Champion, IB - experienced
Awards
- Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts- FRSA 2022
- International School Awards, ISA International Impact finalist 2021
- British National Charity Award Finalist 2010 & 2011
Publications
- Royal Society of the Arts: Artificial Intelligence: The Creative Edge
- SCENE Magazine: The Case for the Arts in a Post-Covid World
- TES, Times Education Supplement: How in School Artists Helped Boost Creativity
- TES, Times Education Supplement: How to Bring Art into the Classroom (and vice versa)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Magazine: Creative Community Collaboration
- International Baccalaureate Academic Journal: Students Meet Art in Thailand
Timeline
CEEL Certificate in Educational Leadership -
Harvard
02.2024 - Current
Creative Director
Prem Tinsulanonda International School/Artist Residency Thailand
08.2014 - Current
Creative Education Development Consultant
Traidhos Three Generation Community for Learning/ KG Group
09.2012 - 07.2013
Creative Projects & Education Manager
Royal & Derngate
09.2006 - 09.2012
Creative Projects & Arts Education Manager/Facilitator
Freelance
07.2005 - 09.2006
Head of High-School Art & Design
Bilkent International School
09.2002 - 06.2005
Art & Drama Teacher
Lanna International School
08.1997 - 06.2002
BA (hons) Fine Art -
Coventry University
09.1994 - 05.1997
Cambridge Foundation Diploma, Art & Design -
Winchester School of Art
09.1993 - 05.1994
Some College (No Degree) - Arts
Peter Symonds College
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