Oxford University (OUXF) UK

Oxford University (OUXF) UK

Specific Department: Ruskin School of Art

Main individuals carrying out task

(1)  Dr. Sarah Hegenbart (female), Assistant Prof. TU Munich, Visiting Fellow Oxford

(2)  Dr. Anthony Gardner (male), Professor and Head of the Ruskin School of Art Main tasks:

The Ruskin School of Art will provide the art historical and art theoretical background for the whole ARTIS project and assess especially the relationship between artist movements and democracy. To this end they will lead workpackage 7 but also help in the selection of: (1) target transformative/social-change-focused artworks and baseline representative museum artworks. There they will conduct theoretical and historical research on the political impact of art and organize an exhibition on participatory art and democracy—How can art practice and perceiver engagement foster democratic citizenship? (Task 7.1). Will also assist on Task 5.1 in order to identify artist’s motivations for making art and transformation—Why make art? Should artists seek to transform societies? Do different motives lead to different impacts on the viewer? (lead: UvA; support: KHB, FDU, UOXF).

General Description

As a modern, research-driven, university Oxford has numerous strengths but cites particular prowess in the sciences, having recently ranked number one in the world for medicine and among the top ten universities globally for life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and the arts and humanities.

The Ruskin School of Art provides an exceptional environment in which research through art making is entwined with research about contemporary art, each mode of enquiry enriching the other within the larger context of a world-leading, research-intensive university. As a relatively small and intimate department, the Ruskin School of Art is able to foster a close-knit yet incredibly diverse student and staff community. The School’s research strengths span the breadth of contemporary art, from expanded painting and photography to installation and moving image, aesthetic philosophy, exhibition histories and art’s global politics. By fostering interdisciplinary engagement across the collegiate University, including political science, philosophy, and the history of art, the Ruskin seeks to nurture the next generation of artists, curators and writers who will transform contemporary art. It has dedicated access to the Bodleian Library, one of the world’s most significant library holdings, and close links with Oxford’s renowned museums and galleries, including Modern Art Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum. Each will be central to the interdisciplinary focus of this project, bridging art practice, art history, political science and philosophy, as well as Oxford’s gallery sector as hosts for the planned exhibition.