The Politics of Art As Social Activism

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

96 Hours

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The Arts have traditionally provided a powerful form of political protest, social critique and commentary. This subject introduces a range of art-based protest movements, projects and singular works that have influenced cultural transformation and helped shape cultural memory. Moving through the 20th to the 21 century, across and across national boundaries we will examine some of the most significant acts of protest in the visual and performing arts, music and cinema. We will analyse the work of some of the most radical artists currently working in China, Central and South America and Europe as well as the political and social contexts shaping their work. We will identify opportunities for the arts to contribute to social justice and peacekeeping strategies and programmes transnationally.

This subject will:

• introduce students to the most significant protest movements in the arts and their socio-political contexts;
• develop an awareness of the interrelationships between art, political engagement and social memory;
• develop communication and logistical skills for implementing collective arts-based projects;
• explore opportunities to effectively contribute to international strategies and programmes for the environment, social justice, reconciliation and peacekeeping.

5000 words or equivalent written and practical project, developed in conjunction with supervisor with feedback throughout the semester (100%).

Subject Reader

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.