Sixteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

According to philosopher Herbert Marcuse, society is the enemy of good art. Instead, strength and meaning come from subjectivity and the individuals passion, imagination, conscience, and personal history. The function of art should be to oppose the given society and its tactics of desublimation, which replace healthy natural impulses with behaviors influenced by political/economic forces. If we concede that the higher education institution is subject to the whims of political and economic forces, how do we function within that framework to create meaningful artwork and connection? If society causes the “flatttening out” of art into a commodity enmeshed in that society, how do we stimulate dialogue and broaden community access and engagement with the arts through gallery and educational settings? Institutions and artist spaces reliant on public or political funding are increasingly required to dedicate their efforts to community programming. What is at risk and what strategies can be employed to avoid the pitfalls of group-think in development of powerful and impactful public and community art projects? This paper highlights various programming initiatives designed to increase public engagement and advocacy for the arts. Best practices for community involvement will be emphasized, as will recommendations for growing support from institutional leaders without jeopardizing the intent of the artist.