FNA2003*

Public art

6 points - 12 hours per week, including three studio and lecture hours - Caulfield - First semester - Prerequisite: Completion of first year subjects, 48 credit points, in either the Bachelor of Fine Art or the Bachelor of Applied Arts degree courses, or permission of the course coordinator - Corequisites: None - Elective

Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to understand the fundamental issues and topics relevant to the rationale and practice of public art; critically evaluate historical and current public art works within a national and international context; interpret the requirements of a 'commissioner's brief' through analysis, scrutiny and creativity; facilitate strategies in organisation, planning and design for major proposals; express succinctly in oral, written and visual form concepts which are appropriate to a public art project; communicate clearly the overall proposal through oral and presentation.

Synopsis This subject examines issues pertinent to public art including, the role of public art, excellence and artistic license, freedom in publicly owned spaces, art embracing urban planning, context and site, the nexus of art and architecture will extend discourse. Further sessions dealing with information and planning include expressions of interest, working to a budget, negotiating a contract, concept proposals, collaboration and sub-contracting, installation and working on site, maintenance and promotion. Students undertake individual projects designed to be exciting and challenging. These projects focus on a creative approach to problem solving and artistic expression linked to their studio major. Excursions to major public art projects in the metropolitan area complement formal and informal class sessions. Major national and international public art works are examined through visual aids (slides and video) and Internet facilities.

Assessment Set exercises: 70% - Oral presentation, written documentation: 30%

Recommended texts

Hedger M Public sculpture in Australia Craftsman House, 1995
Lacy S (ed.) Mapping the Terrain: New genre in public art Bay Washington Press, 1995
Oakes B Sculpting the environment: A natural dialogue Van Nostrand, 1995
Phillips A The best in leisure and public architecture Batsford, 1993
Senie H Contemporary public sculpture tradition, transformation and controversy OUP, 1992

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