Social Change through Art Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Art and social change are seen by some as intrinsically linked while by others as mutually exclusive. Regardless of where you sit on this debate, it can be argued that because art moves us, it can also challenge our views. At a time where cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility are central to our lives, the contribution of socially motivated artists such as Ai Wei Wei, Olafur Eliasson and Zanele Muholi is pivotal.
Equally, disability, ageing, neurodiversity and mental health are gaining more representation in art, including through the contribution of artists such as Yinka Shonibare, Nan Goldin and Marna Clarke. This inspiring short short course at Chelsea College of Arts provides a critical overview of the role art, artists and art institutions play in challenging and shaping the beliefs of our society and the ethical responsibilities they face.
During the course, students gain an insight into the history of art and social change and develop an understanding of current themes and debates. Students explore and research debates around race and culture, gender, the environment, disability, ageing and power relations in art.
By the end of the course, students will be able to identify and evaluate relevant sources and literature, collect data and apply critical theory in the analysis of issues relating to art and ethics. In the process, students gain confidence in presenting well-researched and sustained arguments in an appropriate form.
Please note that students will be expected to work a minimum of 4 hours outside of class to get the most out of the course.
This course is available in two formats: a 5-week evening course or a 2-day course.
Who this course is for
This short course is aimed at anyone interested in engaging with social, cultural and environmental issues in art whether in the role of artist, curator, collector or enthusiast.
It would be an excellent fit for those keen to learn more about current social issues and how they can be addressed through art. Individuals within art organisations wishing to implement an ethical framework would also benefit.
Key information
Topics covered
- History of art and social change
- The responsibilities of artists and art institutions
- Gender and the gaze
- Ethnicity and the post-colonial
- Art, environmental and ecological concerns
- Art and ageing
- Art and disability and neurodiversity
- Art and mental health
- Othering and otherness
- Cultural appropriation
- The Canon and cultural value
Learning outcomes
- Have gained a deeper knowledge of how to be culturally sensitive within their work or social environment
- Understand how they can make art that communicates a socially motivated message
- Understand how to discuss and debate social and environmental topics within art
- Have explored contemporary art that connects with current social, cultural and environmental concerns
- Have learnt how to contextualise their own work in today's artistic landscape
- Have a better understanding of critical research and how to conduct it
- Understand the impact of art in exploring social, environmental and ecological issues
- Understand how to discuss current debates around cultural appropriation, art mental health and neurodiversity
- Understand power relationships in art relating to gender, race, disability, age and other identities
- Be able to demonstrate a series of clearly identified and focused research topics relating to art and ethics, with special focus on their topic of interest
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance.
Materials
- Notebook and pen (or laptop if preferred)
Tutor
Sara Shamsavari
Sara Shamsavari is an inderdisciplinary artist and educator whose works explore global identity, inclusion and transformation. Several of her projects centre around challenging stereotypes and common preconceived judgements at a time of increasing division, conflict and polarisation. While each of her photographic series has a distinct focus, together, they seek to encourage our nuances as human beings.
Sara's work has exhibited internationally in galleries, museums, public and political spaces including the Southbank Centre, City Hall, Museum of Contemporary Photography (Chicago), Lowe Museum of Art (Miami)), Espace Pierre Cardin (Paris), Museo Bardini (Florence) and Nathan Cummings Foundation (New York). Her work, exhibitions and profile have been featured multiple times across media and publications including BBC1, New York Times, i-D Magazine and the Guardian.
Shamsavari is a visiting lecturer at NYU Abu Dhabi and has guest lectured and delivered workshops internationally at cultural institutions including Tate Britain, National Gallery and the Royal Institution of Great Britain as well as guest lecturing at UAL, UCA, and John Cabot (Rome).
Book a course
Loading