Art in Diverse Social Settings

By: Susana Gonçalves and Suzanne Majhanovich

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Synopsis: This edited collection examines the important and multi-varied role that art plays in today's diverse society. Art is linked to the worldviews and mind-sets from which it results and, as a complex and ambiguous product of culture and perception, it can only be truly understood from multiple perspectives. Recognising this, Art in Diverse Social Settings brings together contributions from a diverse range of authors - including scholars and artists from different countries, artistic languages and art statements - to give fresh perspectives on central questions such as: What purpose(s) do the arts serve in contemporary diverse and pluralistic societies? What are the links between art and citizenship in a 'glocal' perspective? Can aesthetics be compared to faith, therapy or civic resistance? Is art a feasible tool to prevent and contest social injustice, raise social consciousness and resistance in the political arena? Can art promote social inclusion? How can artistic practices contribute to community development? The book contains three parts including Part 1 with theoretical chapters, and Parts 2 and 3 that present exemplary case studies illustrating art as a medium for communication and intervention in professional organizations, public spaces and/or the community.