The lectorate Image in Context, led by Anke Coumans, focuses on developing projects where visual artists and designers can explore new roles within various social, political, educational, or intercultural contexts. The central focus is on investigating the added value of these artists and designers in these roles, the specific qualities they bring, and the shareability of their artistic attitude. Additionally, the research examines how art education programs can best prepare their students to fulfill these roles.
Anke Coumans herself has extensive international work experience in various fields of arts and culture, with design, film, media, visual arts, and journalism as significant pillars. In 2010, she obtained her PhD from Leiden University with a dissertation titled ‘When an image says ‘I’… the dialogical meaning-making process of the public image’. Her academic background includes studies at Radboud University Nijmegen (Film and Performing Arts) and Cinematography studies at the University of Paris.
The lectorate is part of the Knowledge Centre for Art & Society and is affiliated with Academie Minerva at Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, contributing to both bachelor’s and master’s programs.