An Interrogation into the Need for a New Definition for the Artist-Teacher in Adult Community Learning

Abstract

Many have defined the artist-teacher, most notable Alan Thornton (2013), who outlines the artist-teacher as an individual who practices making art and teaching art and is dedicated to both activities as a practitioner. However, this definition does not specifically define the artist-teacher in adult community learning (ACL). This article considers if this definition is applicable to artist-teachers working in this sector. ACL has its own qualities that set it apart from other educational sectors, such as secondary and higher education, including precarious work hours (Westminster Hall 2021). This article interrogates if these affect the identity of the artist-teachers working in ACL, and thus how they need to be defined. In this article, several similar terms and definitions are considered for their applicability to the artist-teacher in ACL and results from artist-teacher participants in relation to this are analyzed.