Tom Sowden

Since joining the RCA, Tom has helped implement a new academic model across the College, and now leads colleagues within the School of Design to develop new research-informed programmes, curricula design, and assessment practices. He is also responsible for the delivery of cross-College programmes and units and oversees the Graduate Diploma, MRes RCA, and AcrossRCA: a large-scale interdisciplinary College-wide unit which supports all MA students in responding to the complexity of an uncertain, changing world.

With a focus on an excellent student experience, strategies to enhance the quality of the taught portfolio, and a sharing of best practice, Tom works particularly closely with the Associate Deans from across all Schools.

With an established reputation in research and practice, Tom’s focus is on artists’ books and publishing. He has an interest in communities of practice, audiences, and appropriation, often connected to the iconic book works Ed Ruscha produced during the 1960s and 1970s. He works in a variety of media, primarily the artist’s book format but also photography, printmaking, and video.

Tom has extensive leadership experience in higher education. Prior to joining the RCA, he worked at University of the West of England as Deputy Head of Department for the School of Art and Design, and Bath Spa University as the Head of Field for Design.