Art+Critique: Studio Practice & Critical Studies online course

This course integrates practice and theory in a comprehensive programme that emphasises critical inquiry in art practice. Through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, group tutorials and off-site visits, the syllabus supports participants as they explore and develop their practice and research. The curriculum fosters experimentation and collaborative study in a community of peers. It provides a supportive environment where participants will extend and develop their ability to discuss, write about and judge contemporary art, as well as their ability to reflect on and contextualise their own practice.

The course programme includes modules and support in the form of:

• A programme of six lectures and reading seminars
• Regular peer reviews and feedback on your practice and work-in-progress
• Workshops on the relationship between practice and theory
• Writing workshops, to develop a proposal, improve your artist’s statement, exchange feedback and practice your critical and interpretive skills
• Off-site visits, to participate in critical discussions, articulate aesthetic judgments and build analytical skills
• Optional one-to-one peer mentoring
• Present your practice for a final round of discussions and written feedback.

What kind of knowledge and skills do contemporary artists need? Who is art for? How do we recognise art? What distinguishes art from other forms of cultural production? How does the global economy affect the production and circulation of art? Is art a commodity? What is the social role of art? Can art bring about social change? Can art be critical? Are artists expected to push social boundaries? What is critical art, critical of? These are some of the questions we will address as we explore the historical and critical contexts in which contemporary art is made, circulated, viewed and understood.

By the end of the course participants will have a critical awareness of contemporary art, with a road map and toolbox of methodologies, skills and resources for their continuing practice and the confidence to pursue it independently. The course is open to everyone but it is particularly suited to those who have a background in art and wish to develop their practice and extend their knowledge of contemporary art practices and discourses.

For more information and to register please visit the course page. For detailed information on the schedule, lectures and reading please download the course outline. If you have any questions please use the contact form to get in touch. If the course fee is a barrier to your participation please get in touch so that we can find a way to make it more accessible for you.