معرفی
Professor Paul Seawright OBE is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Ulster University, having previously served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for five years. He also held positions as Head of Belfast School of Art and Dean of Art, Media and Design at the University of Wales, Newport. His international profile spans both academic leadership and artistic practice, with work held in major collections including the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Tate, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Professor Seawright holds a first-class honours degree in Photography, Film and Television and was awarded a PhD by the University of Wales in 2007. His doctoral research focused on 'Photography and the Representation of Conflict in Northern Ireland.' He was awarded an OBE for services to Education and the arts in 2021 and is a Fellow of the RSA and the RPS.
His research focuses on the intersection of art, conflict, and social change. His recent 'Beasts of Burden' project examines reconciliation processes in post-genocide Rwanda through the government's 'Cows for Peace' program that pairs perpetrators with victims. Earlier work addressed conflict in Northern Ireland, documented in his 'Things Left Unsaid' series. His artistic practice informs his academic leadership, particularly in establishing the Ulster Screen Academy and Creative Industries Institute.
His publications and exhibitions over the past decade demonstrate a consistent focus on using visual arts to explore complex social issues, particularly conflict resolution and reconciliation. The 'Beasts of Burden' series (2020-2021) represents his most recent major project, while 'Things Left Unsaid' (2015) documented the aftermath of conflict in Northern Ireland.
- OBE for services to Education and the arts (2021)
- Irish Museum of Modern Art/Glen Dimplex award for a major contribution to Irish Art
- Shortlisted for The Zurich Portrait Prize 2020
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seawright oversees significant research initiatives at Ulster University, including the recently established Creative Industries Institute and Ulster Screen Academy. He has advised numerous universities worldwide on research strategy as a former member of the HEFCE expert advisory group on the development of the REF. His leadership has secured funding for projects like the Screen Media Innovation Lab through the City Deal.
Professor Seawright maintains an active artistic practice alongside his administrative role, with his work held in major museum collections worldwide. His studio practice informs his academic leadership, particularly in bridging creative industries with higher education and establishing the Ulster Screen Academy's Epic Games accredited virtual production studio.
