About the discussion
Wednesday, November 4, 7 to 9 p.m.
Guest: jake moore
Moderator: Lise Palmer
Venue: VAV Gallery, 1396 René-Lévesque (@ Cresecent)
In the past art schools have had the reputation of being elitist, isolated environments serving peculiar but privileged students. With Fine Art faculties becoming a crucial part of the university and art students holding a range of interests, and hailing from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic classes, old stereotypes no longer apply. However, some tensions do remain. As art departments within universities serve as an incubator for cultural production, often thriving under highly specialized, and controlled conditions, how relevant are they to the larger community? How useful is setting a climate of difference, mostly unimpeded by contrary beliefs or ideals, when art students will one day have to venture into the ‘real world’? In this public conversation we will discuss how art schools and students can and do move beyond their own walls to not only engage multiple publics but actively participate in them; moving from learning about community(ies) to being in them. Together we will explore the difference between theory and practice (including the sticky places where they interconnect), and the multiple roles the public sites of a university can play as a means for exchange between the people of the city and the institution.
Guest:
jake moore is a prairie-born, Montreal-based, intermedia artist who considers both teaching and social organization to be part of her creative practice. Currently the director of Concordia University’s FOFA Gallery, she continues to focus on the amplification of voices not easily heard and the minutia of sensorial experience.
Moderator:
Lise Palmer freelances in Quebec's community sector, focusing on organizational development, workshop design and delivery, project consultation, and research. She is currently an MA candidate at Concordia University. Having grown up in one of Greater Vancouver`s sprawling suburbs, she is interested in learning about and contributing to community, engagement, and fostering a sense of belonging, particularly in contexts of marginalization. She loves good food, bad jokes, and wilderness walks.