Artist as Activist
Manchester Metropolitan University, 16-17 September
How can art articulate and support a sense of possibility in social and political thinking?
The first symposium will examine the theoretical underpinnings and debates around social/political activism. It will take as an axiom that all art is a social activity. However, it will also recognise that artists, their practices and their works aspire to direct forms of engagement with, and influence on, programmes of social change. Following from this the symposium will look specifically at:
- the role of artists in preventing the closure of progressive social agendas and ideological discourses regarded as outmoded by the institutional interests
- the idea of socially engaged art as a provider of models for yet-to-be-realised social ideals and political goals
- and the role of art in supporting a sense of possibility within social and political thinking.
The first day will have presentations by a mix of political theorists and philosophers; the second day by a mix of critics and political activists. There will be a direct response to the presentations from two panels of curators and artists. That thesis and response will establish the structure for debate among symposium participants.
Speakers will include: Robert Pfaller and Sheila Rowbotham. Panellists will include: David Harding, Sacha Craddock, Declan McGonagle and Will Bradley.