60-366 Culture in the Public Realm
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
The seminar offers a discerning critical overview of key concepts about culture, public space the public sphere. We will introduce critically explore the historical, theoretical practical production use of public space, artculture beyond the museum or gallery. We will consider the historical evolution of the city as both an actual theoretical entity. The class will explore urban environments in terms of economics, demographics,political, cultural production psychology the city of Pittsburgh will function as our site laboratory. We will inquire about the function of public artwhat happens when space is required for the public realm for a means of cultural production that aims to yield some form of transformative effect for the public or citizens at large. Moreover the term public is an important topic to be investigated Who is the public Who is the audience This interdisciplinary course will consider examine the interplay of artists their public how certain belief systems of a society at a specific time are able to influence a cultures perception of art. What is the role of the artist, critic, curator urban planner in relation to the public what is at stake in utilizing public space as a platform for art other forms of cultural production We will reflect on why have we become in recent times so preoccupied with public space as a platform for cultural production. Changing attitudes among artists in museums have played a role in this cultural shift theory. We will query a range of cultural mediums in order gain insights into the construction of public culture. The means to inspect the varied issues will go beyond assigned readings it will include class discussions, personal reflections, writings, videos guest speakers from the field of architecture, public policy, art, public art. A conjoint class student project will take place to further probe this subject.
Prerequisites: none listed
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