The Politics of Art As Social Activism (SOTH70001)

The Arts have traditionally provided a powerful form of political protest, social critique and commentary. This subject introduces a range of art-based protest movements, projects and singular works that have influenced cultural transformation and helped shape cultural memory. Moving through the 20th to the 21 century, across and across national boundaries we will examine some of the most significant acts of protest in the visual and performing arts, music and cinema. We will analyse the work of some of the most radical artists currently working in China, Central and South America and Europe as well as the political and social contexts shaping their work. We will identify opportunities for the arts to contribute to social justice and peacekeeping strategies and programmes transnationally.