Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
4 days ago
Dr Sean Coyle is the new Head of School: IDEAschool at EIT.
An award-winning theatre designer, visual artist and researcher has been appointed to lead EIT’s IDEAschool.
Dr Sean Coyle started at EIT as the Head of School: IDEAschool last month. He came from Toi Whakaari – New Zealand Drama School in Wellington, where he was Academic Director. He completed an MA (Hons) in Art and Design at AUT and a PhD at the University of Tasmania.
“I am pleased to be taking this next step as Head of School, because I am really interested in the potential of what the IDEAschool can be. I’m incredibly passionate about creative education and I’m familiar with the creativity that exists in the Bay.”
Sean says that his father is from Napier, so he has spent time in Hawke’s Bay over the years. He is keen to be returning full-time.
“I’m 100 percent committed to getting to know the creative sector and the community in Hawke’s Bay because I feel it’s vital for a creative industry school to be connected in some way to those industries that we are training in. So, one of my number one goals is to touch base with and get advice from the local industry stakeholders.”
Sean, who was born in Melbourne to New Zealand parents, has built a career in the arts over a number of decades. Having spent his formative years in Australia, he finished his schooling at Bay of Island College in Kawakawa, where his family had a bookshop.
His journey into creative practice began with a stint at Art School in Otago and then at Toi Whakaari, where he would later return as Academic Director. After achieving a Diploma in Professional Theatre, he worked in theatre and television in Wellington before going to Melbourne where he did a Graduate Diploma in Dramatic Arts Design at the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts. He also worked as a set, costume and lighting designer.
Sean’s career saw him teach at Toi Whakaari, at Northland Polytech in Whangarei, and then at the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts in Auckland where he became Head of School. His latest stint at Toi Whakaari – the last four years- saw him move from being the Head of Design and Arts Management to the Academic Director.
“I had been really interested in moving to Hawke’s Bay for some time, so when this job at EIT came up, it felt like the absolute right fit for me at this time in my life.”
Sean, who has relocated to Napier with his artist partner Grant, says he has always been “a fan” of smaller cities, so is looking forward to living here.
Another important aspect of his new role that Sean is looking forward to, is fostering a research culture in IDEAschool.
“I’m very passionate about creative research and I am an active researcher. I’m publishing as well as doing practice-based research. I also think it’s a necessity for staff that are involved in teaching degree programmes to be research active.”
“I’m interested in the ways that we can do really authentic and valuable research projects that utilise our practice as creative artists, designers and musicians. My aim is to push forward the IDEAschool as a hub of practice-based research.”
Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, says: “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Dr Sean Coyle as the new Head of School: IDEAschool.”
“With a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing creative talent, Sean brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to our Faculty. His commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression aligns perfectly with the school’s mission. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our students, staff and the stakeholders across our local creative industries.”
