Birgitta Nordholm is the programme coordinator for the MA
programmes at UID and she is probably the one answering the
incoming questions and e-mails. She recently became grandmother to
gorgeous seven-week old Victor.
What are you doing at Umeå Institute of
Design?
I am networking by going to conferences for instance, with the
goal of having better teacher exchange in the future. I want our
teachers to do projects in other seats of learning or at companies,
and I want other teachers to come to UID. I really believe in
cooperation. Also, I think we need to establish better contacts
with local organisations and companies. The grass is not always
greener on the other side of the fence... Even though I am the MA
Programme Coordinator, the networking I do, is for the whole
school. In addition, I am the chairperson for the Educational
group, which means we are responsible for the quality of our
educations. Wee need to be updated and innovative and we also need
follow-up on the decisions made.
Is there anything you find particularly positive about
UID?
The unconditionally best of all here at UID is all of the
fantastic students! And of course the wonderful colleagues as well.
This is a house of opportunities and everything can be solved. I
think that is smashing!
Is there anything you would like to improve at
UID?
I would like to develop the alumnus work. I wish we had even
better contact with our previous students. We should have annual
activities with them. It is great that some of them come back to us
as visiting staff. I would like to have an alumnus fair maybe once
a year. And as I said earlier, I want us to have better teacher
exchange.
What do you think are the reasons for the good reputation
of Umeå Institute of Design?
A number of elements contribute - that we are a small unit, our
teaching methods and pedagogy in which we collaborate with the
industry, both nationally and internationally, our great facilities
and dedicated staff and that the majority of the tutors comes from
outside.
What will you be doing in ten years?
I will be sitting on my terrace and enjoy the fruits of life, in
another way than I do today, and I will visit the Arts Campus now
and then. Maybe I will attend one of UID&s single subject
courses, who knows?
April 2010
