Acknowledgements
Once a work is done, it often feels as though it has always existed. In truth it is the product of many small moments of learning, teaching and being. Some are fleeting but powerful, others more foundational. This book, and the doctoral research on which it is based, owes a great deal to the questions and encouragement of Dennis Atkinson and Paul Dash. It owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the students on the research team who gave so much time, energy and insight. To them and other students who attended the course from which the research springs, or were involved in other ways, thank you for permitting me to share your thoughts and images. Colleagues on the staff team too have contributed valuable reflections and feedback at key points, for which I am grateful. Performances and talks by Prakriti Dutta, Abdul Hakim Onitolo, and Tawona Sithole brought depth and contemporary context to the 4Minds research project. I thank Lyn Mclaughlin for photographs of student work, recordings of special events, and other vital technical support. Family and friends who have lent an ear, a shoulder or simply allowed me to be absent, and my fiercely thoughtful sisters, you are all embedded in this work. My children Shilpa and Kirit, a huge and special thanks for being so splendid from day one. And finally, humble as it is, this research and the writing of it has been at times an overwhelming task, one that could not have reached fruition without the humour, patience and grounding companionship of my partner Paul Hyland.