Art and Activism

Catalog description

This course explores art making as a tool for change. Through the lens of current social and environmental issues, we will examine why and how artists create meaning. The discussion of texts and visual material will be supplemented by visits with local activists and field trips to artist studios and exhibitions. The service learning component of the course involves working with an art/activist community partner on social or environmental projects. We will work to fulfill their organizational needs while enhancing our own civically engaged artistic practice. Thinking across disciplinary fields, we will focus on the potential to transform our political and personal experiences through art and action. The culmination of the course will be the creation of an individual or collaborative project that combines research, aesthetics, and activism. Prerequisites: two 1000 level or above courses in ARST. Course may be repeated 3 times for credit.