Ninth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

“This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear… This is how civilizations heal,” states Toni Morrison. Artists and activists can become one as creative thinkers, innovators, collaborators, and healers. This workshop will be experiential and dialogic through engagement with visual art that addresses social issues connected with the built environment. The following two activities will be included that can be replicated in participants’ classrooms/institutions: Gallery Walk: a variety of images of work by global civic artists will be hung around the room. Participants view them all and ultimately stand by the piece that most resonates with them. They will have conversations at their chosen work, respond to questions, and cross-dialogue. Social Innovation: we will explore the way that three artists have addressed the issue of poverty, with a focus on construction. Participants will be prompted to debate the aesthetics, impacts, strengths, and challenges of the works. Depending on the size of the session, we may break into smaller groups and report back. Participants will be engaged in critical problem solving, creative thinking, and be introduced to visionary solutions of civic artists. Participants will also have an opportunity to pose questions, share best practices, and reflect on the integration of social justice curricula into art education and practice. We will provide participants with resources that include instructions for the two activities, and a robust list of civic visual artists to reference.