During the spring, Björn Larsson and Lina Bjerneld were appointed to share the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s assignment at the Royal Institute of Art. The assignment is a 50 percent part time position, starting from the autumn term. Björn Larsson works 30 percent alongside his teaching position, and Lina Bjerneld works 20 percent alongside her professorship. Combining teaching with the vice rectorship provides a comprehensive perspective that contributes to effectively supporting operational matters and leading various collegial collaborations.
How would you describe Mejan as a working environment?
– Everything is held together by a strong focus on art. It’s amazing how seriously this place takes art, where one can discuss and engage on all levels – from conversations in the studio to exhibitions. We are among incredibly dedicated individuals and conversations here at the institute, notes Lina Bjerneld.
– It’s a privilege. When you cross the Skeppsholm Bridge, you enter a different world, an exciting and complex place, and it never ends – the work is continuous, states Björn Larsson.
How will you approach the shared role as Vice-Chancellors?
– The role of Vice-Chancellor has evolved over time, explains Björn, who has been serving as Vice-Chancellor together with Fredrik Ehlin for the past four years.
– In the new shared position, I am responsible for the scholarship committee and the quality assurance work of the institute. The latter involves creating a long-term and intelligent system to ensure the highest quality in education and research.
– We are meant to serve as a bridge between leadership and teaching, and to have a holistic view for the benefit of the institution’s operations, explains Lina Bjerneld.
– In my Vice-Chancellor’s role, I assume the role of deputy Chancellor and chair of the faculty proposal committee. Being two in the role means that we can have a dialogue with each other.
– The Vice-Chancellor’s position spans across multiple areas of responsibility, but something it in fact does not entail is independent decision-making authority or formal leadership. We are here to assist the institution in doing what’s best for the institution, plain and simple, emphasizes Björn Larsson.
How do you combine your different roles in teaching, school management, and artistic practice?
– It’s important to be able to have dual perspectives. Much in art is about combining different viewpoints, says Lina Bjerneld. Our work attests to this.
– It’s a requirement to teach in parallel with the vice rector’s assignment, and it’s a school policy for teachers to maintain their own artistic practice, says Björn Larsson, clarifying:
– The dual perspective becomes a driving force rather than a contradictory relationship.
The appointment of the two Vice-Chancellors spans two years and can extend up to four years. Björn Larsson and Lina Bjerneld cross the bridge and enter the academic year with renewed energy after the summer break. We welcome them in both their old and new roles.