Why Professor Alex Coles’ Appointment Matters for Falmouth University
Falmouth University has announced the appointment of Professor Alex Coles as a Visiting Professor, a move that underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue across music, art, and design. With a distinguished career that spans academia, publishing, and curatorial practice, Professor Coles brings a wealth of experience that aligns perfectly with Falmouth’s reputation as a hub for creative collaboration in the UK.
His work, which includes the influential book DesignArt for Tate Modern and the anthology Fusion! From Alice Coltrane to Moor Mother, has long explored the porous boundaries between creative disciplines. By joining Falmouth, Professor Coles will lead the new ‘Music, Art, Design / Design, Art, Music’ (MaddaM) project, a programme designed to stimulate joint inquiry and practice among students, staff, and external partners.
From Theory to Practice: The MaddaM Initiative
The MaddaM project is more than a lecture series; it is a structured platform for creative exchange. Building on Professor Coles’ earlier work with the EP publication series at the University of Huddersfield, the initiative will:
- Host workshops that bring together music and graphic design students to experiment with cross‑modal storytelling.
- Expand into photography, art, and journalism, creating a rotating roster of collaborative labs.
- Produce public events, talks, and exhibitions that showcase the outcomes of these interdisciplinary encounters.
- Feed into Professor Coles’ forthcoming book and BBC 6 Music programming, ensuring that the university’s activities resonate nationally and internationally.
Through these activities, Falmouth aims to position itself as an active participant in contemporary creative and research dialogues, offering students tangible opportunities to work alongside established practitioners.
What This Means for Prospective and Current Students
For those considering undergraduate or postgraduate study at Falmouth, the arrival of Professor Alex Coles signals an enriched learning environment where traditional silos are dismantled. Students in music, fine art, graphic design, photography, and journalism can expect:
- Access to masterclasses and workshops that challenge conventional approaches to composition, visual communication, and curation.
- Opportunities to contribute to live projects that may result in public exhibitions, publications, or broadcast features.
- Mentorship from a scholar whose research has been cited in outlets such as The New York Times and the Times Literary Supplement.
- A stronger network linking Falmouth to industry professionals, galleries, and cultural institutions across the UK and beyond.
Current students will benefit from immediate engagement: the first phase of MaddaM will convene a workshop bringing together selected music and graphic design participants, setting the stage for ongoing interdisciplinary projects throughout the academic year.
Falmouth University’s Creative Ecosystem in the UK
Situated in Cornwall, Falmouth University has long been recognised for its specialist provision in the creative arts. Its campuses at Penryn and Falmouth house state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including the AMATA performance venue, dedicated studios for film and photography, and extensive workshops for material‑based practice. The university’s emphasis on industry connections—evident through partnerships with organisations such as the British Wildlife Photography Awards and the BBC’s The Repair Shop—creates a fertile ground for visiting professors like Professor Alex Coles to thrive.
Moreover, Falmouth’s commitment to research and knowledge exchange is reflected in its growing portfolio of PhD and MPhil programmes, which encourage students to situate their practice within broader theoretical frameworks. The MaddaM project will complement these offerings by providing a practice‑led conduit for research that traverses music, art, and design.
How to Get Involved
Whether you are a prospective student, a current learner, or an external collaborator, there are several ways to engage with the MaddaM initiative and the wider opportunities at Falmouth University:
- Explore our courses – Visit the Falmouth University website to review undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in music, art, design, photography, and journalism. Submit your application today and take the first step toward joining a vibrant creative community.
- Attend an Open Day – Experience the campuses, meet faculty, and see the facilities firsthand. Open Days are held regularly throughout the year; check the events calendar for upcoming dates.
- Schedule a free consultation – If you have questions about programme suitability, funding options, or career prospects, our advisory team is ready to help. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
- Join the conversation – Share your thoughts on interdisciplinary practice in the comments below or via our social media channels. Your insights help shape future workshops and events.
- Explore related content – Dive deeper into Falmouth’s news stories, research projects, and alumni successes to see how creative collaboration is already making an impact. Explore our related articles for further reading.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Cross‑Disciplinary Practice
The appointment of Professor Alex Coles is a timely reminder that the most innovative creative work often emerges at the intersection of established fields. By fostering environments where musicians can collaborate with graphic designers, and where artists can engage with journalists, Falmouth University is preparing its graduates to navigate the complex, interconnected landscape of contemporary culture.
As the MaddaM project unfolds over the coming months, we anticipate a series of tangible outcomes—exhibitions, publications, performances, and digital media—that will not only enrich the student experience but also contribute to the broader discourse on music, art, and design in the UK and beyond.
For more information about Falmouth University’s programmes, facilities, and upcoming events, please visit the official website or contact the admissions team directly.
