Center For Artistic Activism’s Post

Just received my copy of Aeffect, by Stephen Duncombe. "The past decade has seen an explosion in the hybrid practice of “artistic activism,” as artists have turned toward activism to make their work more socially impactful and activists have adopted techniques and perspectives from the arts to make their interventions more creative. Yet questions haunt the practice: Does artistic activism work aesthetically? Does it work politically? And what does “working” even mean when one combines art and activism? In Æffect, author Stephen Duncombe sets out to address these questions at the heart of the field of artistic activism. Written by the co-founder and current Research Director of the internationally recognized Center for Artistic Activism, Æffect draws on Duncombe’s more than twenty-five years of experi­ence in the field and one hundred in-depth interviews with artistic activists worldwide. More than a mere academic exercise, the theory, research, and tools in this book lay the groundwork for artistic activists to evaluate and strengthen their practice and to create better projects." https://lnkd.in/e6_ixaBB

Art exists within the political and societal conditioning that it is being produced in. Art is, therefore, a product of, and an impact on, society. When engaging with art, as a creator, artivist, or consumer it is important to engage with social-cultural history operating in the back of our mind. Looking at art in the context of larger political and societal histories helps us to think critically about the kind of artists we want to be, and how to divest our creative practices from hegemonic ways of being. With that being said, we offer to you this non-exhaustive reading list for politicizing your artistic practice.

Abstract: "As a multidisciplinary field, futures research borrows approaches from different disciplines. However, it often ignores the potential of the arts on a large scale, even though the arts embrace creativity and often depict and narrate imagined futures. This article applies a case study approach to review and categorize selected arts-based approaches and assess their potential—strengths and limitations—for futures workshops in higher arts education context. The approaches were tried extensively in Art School Futures Labs (15 test labs and 12 actual labs) and a summer school in eight European countries. Three case examples are scrutinized in more detail to illuminate their use in the cocreation of futures images. One artistic futures image is discussed within the frameworks of Wittgensteinian aspect perception and intertextuality, highlighting the importance of interpretation in unpacking the complex meanings that artistic futures images convey. Finally, some recommendations are given to support the successful use of arts-based approaches in futures workshops." https://lnkd.in/eT3_8F8R

Curation is the meticulous process of selecting, organizing, and caring for items within a collection or exhibition. It encompasses the thoughtful selection of performers or performances for arts events or programs. Additionally, it involves the selection, organization, and presentation of online content, merchandise, information, etc., often guided by professional or expert knowledge. However, the reality of curation is complex, marred by harmful biases and systemic prejudices that pervade society. These biases manifest in countless ways, affecting individuals from all walks of life, including Black, Brown, and White communities. Within each community exists a metaphorical ladder, fraught with frustration and inequality. This ladder, intended to uphold scholars and preserve legacies, often crumbles under the weight of systemic barriers, leaving hopeful individuals disillusioned and embittered. Contrary to expectations, the snakes of discrimination and bias are not confined to history books; they slither among the very individuals tasked with preserving and sharing cultural narratives. This reality underscores the need for critical examination and dismantling of systemic prejudices within the field of curation, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are valued and represented authentically.

Let's talk books and the inspiration they provide community! Books, often considered a gateway to knowledge, hold immense value in the world of fine arts. Here's why: 🔶 Inspiration: Art books provide a treasure trove of inspiration. They introduce artists to new techniques, styles, and creative ideas that drive innovation in their work. 🔶 Curation: In museums and galleries, art books play a pivotal role in curating exhibitions. They provide insights, context, and historical significance, enriching the visitor's experience. 🔶 Education: Art students and enthusiasts rely on books to deepen their understanding. They serve as invaluable resources for art history, theory, and practical skills. 🔶 Preservation: Art books document art movements, artists, and their creations, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. 🔶Community: Books connect artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. They foster discussions, collaborations, and the exchange of ideas within the fine arts community. In a digital age, the tangible beauty of art books continues to enhance the fine arts community, offering a source of inspiration, knowledge, and a sense of belonging. #FineArtsBooks #ArtCommunity #printinspires Ted HarringtonDouglas Brown Gillespie

Design thinking and the arts in policy can create a space for reflection, visual engagement and bring out the human element in policy systems. See the new evaluation of PolicyLab's art in policy programme. #designthinking #policy #policylab

“Transparency between community-based arts organizations and their communities is a growing concern for many practitioners, especially where concerns range from public funding accountability to modern discussions on diversity and equity. This overview of documented knowledge explores contemporary notions of transparency which are often linked to issues of trust, emphasizing how it can enhance an organization's credibility but also pose challenges if not managed appropriately. This document aims to provide an understanding of transparency, its various dimensions, implications, and potential benefits, by outline trends, examples of strategies, methods, accountability considerations, effects, and costs associated with transparency.” #Transparency #ArtsOrgs

Honored to be featured by Dr Donette Francis’ keynote for the AWARE x WOPHA at Perez Art Museum Miami: On the Edge of Visibility International Symposium October 19 - 20, 2023 At PAMM Hosted by AWARE: Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions; Women Photographers International Archive (WOPHA); and Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), this symposium offers a transcontinental approach and encompasses postcolonial, feminist, and queer perspectives. Topics discussed will consider the concerns and complexities of defining what it means to be a Black or Indigenous woman artist within different cultural settings. It also constitutes a reflection on past and current modes of knowledge creation. By exploring the notions of visibility and invisibility as they relate to visual practices and dominant power structures, this symposium examines proposed strategies of resistance as a means of reclaiming visual agency. It seeks to challenge existing academic boundaries—notably within the history of art and photography—through a multiplicity of voices and perspectives, questioning contemporary discourses and their genealogies, and considering the future of the discipline. Bringing together artists, researchers, curators, and thinkers, this international gathering is structured around three thematic sections. Section One | Fractals of Invisibility Section Two | Politics of Visibility Section Three | Poetics of Opacity