New Director of Education and Research: Raf De Keninck
We are pleased to announce the appointment of director, art and education innovator, conductor and performing musician Raf De Keninck as our new Director of Education and Research. He joins the three-person Executive Board, alongside the Creative Director and Director of Organisation.
Starting on 1 November 2019, Raf De Keninck joins creative director Joseph Grima and director of organisation Mechtild van den Hombergh on the Executive Board of DAE. He takes charge of the Bachelor’s and Master’s tracks at the academy, with responsibility for the curriculum. De Keninck will also oversee the development of academic research in terms of both substance and education. His many years of experience in the field of art education will ensure strong ties with international developments in design, culture and the creative industries. The Supervisory Board has expressed its enthusiasm about the appointment of De Keninck:
Gitta Luiten, chair of the Supervisory Board:
“The Board is very pleased with this experienced Director of Education and Research, and is impressed by his inspiring vision on education.”
Raf De Keninck
Raf De Keninck has worked for Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts (FHK) in Tilburg since 2012 as Director of the Music Department, where he was responsible for four schools of music: the Academy of Music Education, the Conservatory, the Rock Academy and Master of Music. Over the past five years he has devised and implemented a number of striking innovations in education, among them the establishment of the completely new Academy of Music and Performing Arts. The new interdisciplinary approach at the academy encourages musical artists in their quest to discover new forms of collaboration with artists from other creative courses within FHK. This transformation of the Conservatory programme was warmly welcomed by the international academic community, which is constantly discussing ways to bridge the gap between education and a changing world. De Keninck’s rare ability to foster collaboration among a diversity of professionals in the creative industries makes him a professional who can develop and implement new ideas.
Raf De Keninck studied at the Royal Conservatoire in Antwerp, graduating with greatest distinction as a Master in Music, and also holds a degree as a conductor and chamber musician. In addition to several international prizes, he received the renowned Fugatrofee for his lifetime achievement in supporting and promoting Flemish music. He founded the Ensemble Emanon (renamed the Vlaams Sinfonietta in 2012) and was its artistic leader.
De Keninck is especially interested in further strengthening the position of Design Academy Eindhoven in both regional and international contexts. He is also looking forward to connecting tomorrow's education with new partners in the broad field. With his drive to innovate, his background in education and his experience as a director and conductor, De Keninck will make a strong contribution to DAE.
Responsibilities
The Director of Education & Research is responsible for all education and research programmes at the academy. He works with the Creative Director to ensure alignment between course contents and design. He also works with the Director of Organisation to ensure the implementation of the educational and research programmes. As such, De Keninck is responsible for both the substance and the standard of education within the Bachelor’s and Master’s tracks, and also for research activities and their relation with the overall vision of Design Academy Eindhoven. De Keninck will represent DAE at international forums related to the administrative and substantive aspects of education.
De Keninck succeeds Jurriënne Ossewold, who was responsible for education and research at Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE). The Executive Board is accountable to the DAE Supervisory Board.