Art in Public Space: Direct, Challenging, Accessible Without Limits
Prof. Dr. h.c. Walter Smerling
Art in public space is directly and unlimitedly accessible, challenging and controversial. Unlike in the ‘protected’ space of the museum, the artist places his assertion in the centre of society, visible to all, and thus - like any public assertion - automatically provokes approval and rejection. The viewer cannot escape these works. But regardless of how they feel about them, they will form an opinion and be encouraged to engage in dialogue.
The central theme of the seminar is the role of art in public space. The significance of art in public spaces will be discussed using real examples of sculptures by renowned artists. The interaction between the actors involved in the process from the conception to the realisation of art in public space, including the artist, the city and the local authority, will be examined, as well as the resulting difficulties and challenges.
In addition to excursions to selected works of art in public spaces, discussions with renowned artists and visits to artists' studios are planned.
Prof. Dr. h.c. Walter Smerling
Walter Smerling
* 1958. Studium der Betriebswirtschaftslehre und Kunstgeschichte, TV-Volontariat beim SWF. Autor, Regisseur und Moderator von TV-Filmen, Schwerpunkt kulturelle Reportagen und Künstlerporträts. Seit 1987 zahlreiche Magazinbeiträge, Moderationen und Kunstmarktgespräche. Als Ausstellungsmacher und Kurator seit 1986 verantwortlich für zahlreiche Kunst- und Kulturprojekte. Er ist Vorsitzender der Stiftung für Kunst und Kultur Bonn, Direktor des MKM Museum Küppersmühle für Moderne Kunst in Duisburg und war künstlerischer Leiter der Salzburg Foundation. Seit 2010 Honorarprofessor für Kultur und Wirtschaft an der Universität Witten/Herdecke. Offizieller Berater des National Museum of China, Beijing. Seit 2017 Kuratoriumsmitglied des Freundeskreises Yad Vashem. Seit 2020 Träger des Verdienstordens des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Objectives & Competences
Objective: The aim of the event is to jointly gain access to the systematics of the art business. The interaction between the various players and the conceptual content of an exhibition - from the creation of the artwork to the installation of the work - will be developed and discussed among the participants.
The aim is to look at the complexity of the art world from different angles and to understand the cultural landscape in its entirety - with a look behind the scenes.
Last but not least, the aim of the course is to familiarise students with the exciting work of a cultural manager and to convey a passion for cultural projects.
Focus: Term paper
Important Competencies: No special skills or prior knowledge required.