Kingston University has awarded Design Museum director and chief executive Tim Marlowan honourary doctorate.
Marlow was made a Doctor of Art and Design in recognition of has contribution to the arts, design and culture.
Kingston University and the Kensington-based Design Museum have been working together for 25 years, notably through the Master’s programme in Design Curating.
Before taking up his role in 2019, Marlow served as artistic director of the Royal Academy of Arts for five years. He has presented more than 100 radio and TV programmes on art and culture and was awarded an OBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours.
In his acceptance speech, he highlighted the essential role played by design in addressing
major societal challenges, such as technological advances and sustainability.
He called for greater recognition, arguing that it should be seen not merely as “something decorative or additional” but as a key element in social organisation.
Marlow said: “Design is fundamentally about problem-solving.
“It shapes our relationship with the world around us, and it will play a critical role in addressing many of the challenges we face in the years ahead.”
He encouraged graduates to “stay curious” and “open to different ways of thinking”.
Feature image courtesy Kingston University
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