Norwich University of the Arts welcomes new honorary professors at 2026 graduation ceremonies
Norwich University has recognised the outstanding achievement of leading figures from the fields of Architecture and Creative Education, Art and Culture, Graphic Design and Creative Education, and Digital Art and Inclusive Practices.
On Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 July, Norwich University of the Arts celebrated the achievements of hundreds of graduating students as they prepared for the next stage of their creative careers.
During the 2026 summer graduation ceremonies, the University also awarded Honorary Professorships to four individuals. One of the University’s highest accolades, an Honorary Professorship recognises those whose work and achievements reflect its mission and values.
Bora
Digital Art and Inclusive Practices
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ben Stopher and Bora (Photo: Ede & Ravenscroft)
Bora is a non-binary transdisciplinary artist, world-builder and storyteller working across 3D animation, sound, sculpture, installation and performance.
Their practice treats world-building as a form of activism, creating immersive ecosystems where queer and trans-species bodies transform beyond assigned categories.
Receiving news of the award, Bora said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition, which reaffirms my belief that imagination is not an escape from reality, but a way of transforming it.”
Sutapa Biswas FAAH
Arts and Culture
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ben Stopher and Sutapa Biswas (Photo: Ede & Ravenscroft)
A British-Indian conceptual artist, who works across a range of media including painting, drawing, photography and film, Sutapa Biswas has spent over forty years exploring how historical narratives collide with untold personal stories.
A key figure in the Black British Art Movement of the 1980s, her iconic works Housewives with Steak-knives and Kali are held in the Tate Collection, and her acclaimed film Lumen (2021) won the ArtFund UK award.
Biswas commented on the award, “I am deeply humbled by this award of an Honorary Professorship from Norwich University of the Arts in recognition of my work.
“I’ve now been teaching fine art and art history within Higher Education in art school contexts for over forty years and I can honestly say that my experience of working with Norwich University of the Arts has been incredibly special.
“It’s an experience I am truly grateful for and one that I will treasure always.”
Sean Perkins
Graphic Design and Creative Education
Sean Perkins and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ben Stopher (Photo: Ede & Ravenscroft)
Sean Perkins MA RCA, AGI, is a British graphic designer and founding partner of North, the influential London design studio he established in 1995. Known for a refined, modernist approach to branding and identity, he has led creative work for Tate, Barbican, Science Museum, M+ Hong Kong and the Co-op, among others.
A Visiting Professor at Norwich University of the Arts since 2013, he led the development of the University’s current visual identity and served as AGI UK President from 2013 to 2016.
Reflecting on the Professorship, Perkins said: “After more than 40 years in graphic design and 13 years as a Visiting Professor at Norwich University of the Arts, this recognition is especially meaningful.
“It is a privilege to be recognised by a community I have worked with and admired for so many years.”
Sir Peter Cook
Architecture and Creative Education
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ben Stopher and Sir Peter Cook (Photo: Ede & Ravenscroft)
Sir Peter Cook first gained international recognition through the visionary group Archigram, whose conceptual projects continue to influence architectural thinking worldwide.
His distinctive built work includes Kunsthaus Graz and recently the LEGO Group Play Pavillion for the Serpentine gallery in London.
He was awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2002, knighted in 2007, and has taught at institutions including the Bartlett, the Architectural Association and Harvard. He is a Royal Academician and Senior Fellow of the Royal College of Art.
Responding to news of the award, Cook said: “Doing stuff with Norwich University of the Arts is a cheerful and intriguing experience: new ideas against the backdrop of centuries of belief and enterprise.”
Many congratulations to all the University’s graduands and Honorary Professors celebrated at this year’s summer graduation ceremonies.
Header photography: Chris Roberts, Ede & Ravenscroft
