17 November 2016 10.00-16.00
Bluecoat Arts Centre, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX
In celebration of the International Philosophy Day, this one-day workshop explores the role of philosophical reflection in learning, curating and public engagement programmes of arts organisations. Drawing its impetus from the recently completed pioneering Philosopher-in-Residence programme at Liverpool’s Bluecoat (2013-15), the event will share outcomes and engage participants in a collaborative effort to explore new frameworks for systematically deploying philosophy for the benefit of the public, artists and art institutions.
While it is a shared aim for cultural organisations to expand the volume and diversity of their audiences, it is also widely acknowledged that many of today’s contemporary artworks and curatorial practices demand much more from audiences. They call for increased attentiveness, conceptual engagement, reflection and sensitivity. This places a significant burden and pressure upon artists, curators and arts professionals to think more proactively about how the artworks and exhibitions will be received and understood by diverse publics, especially when these are conceived as active participants rather than passive audiences.
By bringing together curators, artists, philosophers and arts professionals, the workshop will investigate the ways in which philosophical discourse enhances the curatorial, educational, and public engagement practices of art organisations, and helps us collectively navigate through today’s artworld.
The event is part of the British Society of Aesthetics Philosophy in the Gallery Series.
Speakers:
Elena Antonacopoulou, Management School, University of Liverpool
Anna Bergqvist, Department of History, Politics and Philosophy, Manchester Metropolitan University
Michael Birchall, Liverpool School of Art and Design, Liverpool John Moores University and Tate Liverpool
Ben Cranfield, Department of Film, Media and Cultural Studies, Birkbeck, University of London
Yiota Vassilopoulou, Philosophy Department, University of Liverpool Mick Wilson, Valand Academy, University of Gothenburg
Free event; booking essential. To book please follow this link: http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/events/view/events/3507