| Description | Interview with Sir Michael Bichard, third Rector of The London Institute between 2001-2008.
The interview can be accessed in QuickTime Movie and Waveform Audio formats, and a transcript is also available.
Interview description:
Video 1 [00:00] Michael Bichard, Rector of London Institute. Discusses appointment to rector; left civil service; application for job. [00:47] Role in civil service; lawyer; local government to central government; Secretary for Department for Education and Employment; responsibility for Higher Education. [01:33] Discusses skills brought to job; leadership. [02:16] Key priorities; colleges to work together; adapt to digital environment; grow international presence; become a university; resolve property problems. [03:51] Discusses day-to-day role; management; ambassador; reputation. [04:48] Award of university status; own views on gaining status; respect; anxieties; rigour of regime. [06:41] Discusses importance of arts as rigorous; questioning of process. [07:45] Celebration of university status; benefits; external reputation; international recruitment; importance of multiculturalism. [09:27] Travel; marketing abroad; success. [10:10] Challenges; relationship between colleges and institution; identity; branding; marketing; discusses importance of listening. [13:06] Discusses filling senior vacancies; distribution of budget. [14:10] Pride in succeeding in gaining title; value for arts; authority in sector; modesty. [15:35] Creative arts as important sector; personal interest in arts; economic importance; current interest in role of arts in wellbeing. [18:12]
Video 2 [00:00] Wimbledon merger 2006; financial position; contributions of Wimbledon. [01:46] Reactions to merger; staff attitudes. [03:02] Impact on students; resource availability. [04:05] 3 college model; geographical location. [05:35] Central St Martins and Byam Shaw merger; good outcome; diversity and quality of work. [07:37] Visiting shows; strong college identities; encouraging visitors. [08:25] Differences between colleges; work; people; staff; parties; kiln at Chelsea; Central St Martins strengths in fashion and fine art; different traditions. [10:28]
Video 3 [00:00] Discusses views on elitism; hierarchy; decision-making. [01:26] Discusses avoiding exclusivity; diversity of students in British art; time spent with students and staff; sculpture at Central St Martins; talking about work; community; inclusivity; discusses meeting Barack Obama. [05:13] Good relationships with heads of college; changing issues. [06:05] Discusses creating website for feedback; making self accessible; complaints; resources; lifts at CSM; interest in staff; desire for respect. [09:44] Decision to retire; difficult; 7 years; discusses enjoyment in role; NC doing well; expectations develop; budget issues. [12:28] Enjoyment; first fashion show; performing arts; Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe; Drama centre; passion for ceramics; textiles; sculpture; design; Chair of Design Council; discusses understanding service design; work with NHS; people; John Sorrell as a great man; meeting Anthony Gormley; Jimmy Choo; different perspectives. [15:51] Design as influential; using design in A&E; admiration for Jonathon Ive; Apple; impact on quality of life; lack of design in public services. [17:49] Visit to Royal College; design for older people; more than aesthetic. [18:29] Discusses rewards of role as rector; people; alumni; discusses first governors meeting; acoustics; Simon Callow; developing teams; building energy; school visits; leadership experience; management meetings; interesting people. [22:08] Best achievement; university title; international business; property; discusses feeling proud of CSM building; strong Council; Will Wyatt Chairman; Stephen Barter; conversations with people; growth of institution. [23:54] Council; selection of members; enjoyment working with them. [25:09] After retirement from role; continued interest in government; set up Institute; went to Lords; Chair of National Audit Office; Chair of Social Care Institute; interest in older people; Chair Shakespeare’s Globe. [26:29] Established Film Club; Beban Kidrun; Lindsey Mackie; Chair; Chair of Design Council; Film Club impact on schools. [28:00]
Video 4 [00:00] Discusses keeping in touch with institution; feedback from staff. [00:52] Discusses own feelings of strengths of institution; desire for it to continue to thrive; build influence. [02:32] Discusses benefits of friend GP employing an artist in residence. [03:24] Own appreciation of arts; developing and cultivating interests; age; benefits of arts to older people. [05:26] |