Issues in Socially Engaged Art: Working with History (hosted by RU)

These series of one-session, in person workshops are introductory presentations of specific aspects of socially engaged art, with a conversation on how a particular aspect of social practice has been embraced or applied, a review of past and present approaches, and a brief reflection on how each one of these could be successful applied or incorporated into your own artistic practice. This workshop will focus on approaches and methods for engaging with history in site-specific and community projects, from reenactments to other participatory formats.

Pablo Helguera (Mexico City, 1971) is a visual artist living in New York. His work involves performance, drawing, pedagogy, installation, theater and other literary strategies. Recipient of international grants and awards, he is often considered a pioneering figure in the field of socially engaged art. He worked for three decades in museums as head of education public programs of MoMA, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and MCA Chicago.

He has been recipient of many awards including the Guggenheim and Creative Capital fellowship as well as the first International Award for Participatory Art in Italy. Coming from a family of classical musicians, his work has frequently involved musical elements. He has performed and presented his works in many international biennials and venues.

He is the author of many books including Education for Socially Engaged Art (2011) and The Parable Conference (2014). He is currently Assistant Professor of Arts Management and Entrepreneurship at The College of the Performing Arts at The New School. He writes a weekly column titled Beautiful Eccentrics.

The Studio for Education as Art is a socially engaged art project the form of a three-pronged organization. TSEA will offer classes, workshops, seminars on education as art for artists, curators and educators; develop exhibitions and public programs in collaboration with institutions or by commission and conduct research and development for arts organizations. TSEA will also promote artmaking, research, and critical thinking/ learning as part of an integrated process.

Host or Publisher Pablo Helguera