Course Details

This course introduces overlapping territories of Art and Social Practice, the practice of Socially Engaged Art. The main focus of the course is on experiential learning and expanding a dialogue about socially engaged art making. The class will focus on the following topics: environmentalism, consumerism, economies, society and culture, activism, and the place for creative practice in our contemporary life. We are going to look at the historic background that nourishes social practice and the aesthetic issues it raises. The main focus is on current social issues and research, as well as exploring various strategies for representing, critiquing, and otherwise addressing these issues.

This is a studio course, consisting of a series of studio assignments, some of which will be done at locations outside of the campus. Expect field trips, readings and one artist research and presentation. Part of the class is a week-long workshop (times to be determined) with a guest artist working in social practice. Please expect to commit a reasonable amount of studio time/week outside of class. Consultation and demos on unfamiliar materials and techniques are always available upon your request. Class discussions, group consultations, critiques and one on-one consultations will provide you with feedback on your work.