Social Practice encompasses many different terms – often called Socially Engaged Art, Participatory Practice or sometimes Community Arts – but it describes art that is collaborative, participatory and involves people and communities in debate, collaboration or social interaction.  

Artists are increasingly working in participatory settings, and this introductory course aims to give you an overview of the key issues which arise within social practice. Covering topic like co-creation, working with young people, the ethics of collaborating with communities, safeguarding your own mental health and exploring what failure within a socially engaged project might look like.  

Over 4 online sessions invited speakers will share their research and working practices:

• Tue 14th February, 11am-12:15 Nicola Naismith: Artists practising well

• Mon 20th February, 11am-12:15 Nadia Rossi + Catrin Jeans: Rumpus Rooms - co-creation with children and young people 

• Mon 6th March, 11am-12:15 Professor Eleonora Belfiore: Working conditions in socially engaged arts practice

• Tue 14th March, 2:00-3:15pm Anthony Schrag: Infrastructure and social practice: the artist as a ‘social worker’ vs the artist as a ‘social wanker’ 

This course is funded by Scottish Union Learning and we need you to complete these two forms (below) in advance - please note you need to input the course name 'Art & Social Practice' and the reference number H170.