Summer 2013: Art and Resistance
July 29–August 17, 2013
San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Course Taught by Diana Taylor
Workshop taught by Jesusa Rodríguez and Jacques Servin
Photo Module taught by Lorie Novak
Deadline: April 7, 2013
This course explores the many ways in which artists and activists use art (performance, mural paintings, graffiti, writing, music) to make a social intervention in the Americas. We begin the course by examining several theories about art and activism (Brecht, Boal, Buenaventura, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Foucault, among others), and then focus on issues of agency, space, event, and spectatorship in relation to major political movements (revolution, dictatorship, democracy, globalization, and human rights) as seen in the work of major practitioners.
The theoretical part of the course, taught by Diana Taylor, will remain in active conversation with the practice-based-research component of the course. Jesusa Rodríguez will lead an intensive one-week performance workshop that will culminate in a public action as part of the course. Jacques Servin of the Yes Men will also participate, offering a lecture and a lab, and Lorie Novak will lead the digital media component of the course. Performances, video screenings, guest lectures, and visits to FOMMA, Chiapas Media Project, a Zapatista community and other activist projects will provide an additional dimension to the questions raised by the theoretical readings and discussions. Students will be encouraged to explore possibilities for practice-based research, develop their own sites of investigation, and share their work in a final presentation.
We invite students from all member institutions of the Hemispheric Institute to apply. NYU students may take the course for 4 points of graduate credit through the Department of Performance Studies, and students from other institutions can take the course for credit as an independent study in their home universities. Students from non-member institutions will be considered for admission, though priority will be given to graduate students from member institutions.
The course requires fluency in English. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus. Students are encouraged to bring laptops and digital cameras to use for their projects.
Lab fee
A lab fee will apply to all—$1000* for students in the U.S. Canada, and Europe, and $250* for those in Latin America. While housing and travel costs are separate, the Hemispheric Institute is negotiating very reasonable costs for room and board. All local expenses (performances, lectures, travel to local sites, etc., will be covered by the lab fee).
*Payment can be made via check or credit card. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Download the course flyer (ENG) (pdf)
Download the course flyer (ESP) (pdf)
Download the course flyer (POR) (pdf)
Application
Chiapas Course Application 2013 (ENG) (237.57 kB)
Chiapas Course Application 2013 (ESP) (270.83 kB)
Chiapas Course Application 2013 (POR) (262.09 kB)