Norwich University of the Arts has announced it will present honorary professorships to four esteemed figures.

The honour, given in recognition of exceptional achievement in a field related to the university's mission, will be conferred upon the quartet next week during summer graduation ceremonies.

Included in the line-up are author and publisher Gita Wolf, creative director Ian Griffiths, prolific photographer and artist Joy Gregory and Simon Devereux who founded Access VFX.

Recognising the recipients, the vice chancellor of NUA, Prof Simon Ofield-Kerr, said: "We are honoured to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of these honorary professors.

Gita Wolf, author, publisher, and curator, and one of the founders of Indian publishing house, Tara Books Gita Wolf, author, publisher and curator, and one of the founders of Indian publishing house Tara Books (Image: Submitted)

“Their diverse expertise and extraordinary dedication to their fields are a source of inspiration for our graduates.

"We are proud to recognise their outstanding contributions to society.”

Ms Wolf is an acclaimed Indian literature figure. She founded publishing house Tara Books and has written more than 25 books. Some have gained major international awards, showcasing the best of Indian art, particularly that of the marginalised.

Ian Griffiths, Creative Director of Max Mara Ian Griffiths, creative director of Max Mara (Image: Submitted)

Mr Griffiths, Italian fashion brand Max Mara's creative director, will also receive an honorary professorship.

Born in Manchester, Griffiths' unique vision of fashion that focuses on wearable modern classics and discreet luxury has made a spectacular impact, with his ‘Teddy Coat’ selling hundreds of thousands of units.

Celebrated British artist and photographer Ms Gregory will receive recognition for her contribution to photography and fine art.

Joy Gregory has developed a practice focused on social and political issues Joy Gregory has developed a practice focused on social and political issues (Image: Sunil Gupta)

The pioneering artist challenges conventional notions of beauty, race and gender and has received numerous awards including an honorary fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society.

Simon Devereux, the founder of the global diversity and inclusion movement, Access VFX, completes the quarter.

Mr Devereux and his organisation have united over 100 passionate people towards addressing diversity in the visual effects industry and organised more than 50 events reaching thousands of future professionals.