Neil Brown

Professor Brown is a leading researcher in the areas of cognitive theory of art, creativity and art education. His distinguished international reputation is reflected by the invitation he received in 1992 to become a continuing member of the Centre for Cognitive Issues in the Arts (CCIT) at the University of Bristol, with Norman Freeman, Andrew Harrison, Pat Panton, Michael Podro and Carolyn Wilde. Professor Brown was Visiting Professor at the Ohio State University in 1995. In this international context, Professor Brown continues to conduct research centred on two projects. The first aims at establishing theoretical grounds for a philosophically neutral ontology of the artefact. The second, seeks empirical evidence for the way in which children and adults’ vernacular theory of art conditions their understanding of works and informs their practice. Brown was inaugural head of the School of Art Education at College of Fine Arts (COFA) UNSW from 1992 to 1996, and as indicated above, appointed Associate Dean, Research at College of Fine Arts. In regard to applied research and in addition to Australia Council consultancies, he has chaired committees, conducted public forums, consulted on the theoretical and empirical research underpinning the world leading visual arts curriculum in the NSW Board of Studies over the last 10 years, including innovation of the critical “frame” structure, the conceptual framework, and most recently “bodies of work” in compliance with the McGaw review of the Higher School Certificate.