Sara Hornäk

Prof. Dr. Sara Hornäk is Professor for "Didactics of Fine Arts" at the Düsseldorf Art Academy (Kunstakademie Düsseldorf) since April 2020, where she also serves as Vice Rector since 2023. Previously, she was Professor of Art Education at the University of Siegen (2018-2020) and Professor of Art and its Didactics with a focus on Sculpture at the University of Paderborn (2006-2018).

Her educational background includes:

• Studied sculpture at the Düsseldorf Art Academy under Klaus Rinke and Fritz Schwegler (1990-1997)
• Studied philosophy at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf (1990-1997)
• Master student of Fritz Schwegler (1995)
• First State Examination in Art and Philosophy (1997)
• Second State Examination in Art and Philosophy (2000)
• Doctorate in Philosophy at the Düsseldorf Art Academy on "Spinoza and Vermeer. Immanence in Philosophy and Painting" (2003)

Prof. Hornäk's research focuses on the intersection of artistic practice and art education, with particular emphasis on sculptural action, material studies, and spatial discourses. She explores how artistic processes can inform educational methodologies, especially in the context of inclusion and digital transformation. Her work bridges philosophy, particularly Spinozist thought, with practical art education, examining concepts of immanence, sensory perception, and the relationship between body, material, and space.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on transmedia perspectives on bodily and spatial experiences, inclusive art education practices, and the theoretical foundations of art didactics. There's a clear trajectory from her early work on sculpture and philosophy to her current exploration of digital and analog approaches in art education, with consistent attention to materiality, spatial dynamics, and inclusive practices.

Her notable recognition includes:

• Award for Innovation and Quality in Teaching (2014), received together with Prof. Dr. HJ Schmid, Dr. Klemp, A. Heggemann, and J. Lohn

Prof. Hornäk has been deeply involved in teacher training and educational development throughout her career. She has led significant projects including the "Digital Teacher Training" project (2019-2020) funded by the BMBF and the "ComeArts" project (2023) on digital education. She has served in numerous administrative roles including Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer (2021-2023), participation in accreditation procedures, and membership in various appointment committees. Her work significantly influences art teacher education in Germany through curriculum development, particularly in the practical semester and research-based learning formats.

Prof. Hornäk has organized and participated in numerous conferences and discussion forums, including the "SILOGESPRÄCHE" artistic and art-historical discussion forum at the University of Paderborn (2008-2019), various "Kunstpädagogischer Tag" (Art Education Days) events since 2008, and the "Ringvorlesung Lernen ohne Lehren – Kunst vs. Pädagogik?" (2021). These initiatives create collaborative spaces for exploring the theoretical and practical dimensions of art education.