Interarts Performance Program
Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan
Courses Taught: Live Art Survey and Interarts Forum

Live Art Survey Course Description:
In this course we will examine the history of performance art and experimental theater through a series of case studies and hands-on experiments. We will act as scholars, researchers, audience members, collaborators, and generative artists. As a group and individually, we will address the following questions over the duration of the semester, each question building on the previous one(s):

What is performance art, and how has it responded to the social constructs or politics of its time? What role has provocation or rejection of tradition played in its development?
How have artists used public space as a stage for their work?
In what ways has the artist’s body become a locus for performance?
How has performance art pushed or dissolved boundaries between audience and performers? What role might provocation or discomfort play?

We will survey a wide range of examples from the United States and abroad, from the historical to the contemporary. We will spend time researching and viewing various content from the library, engaging in discussion and presentations, articulating through writing, and embodying the work we’re examining. By the end of the course we will become critical audience members and performers who realize the need to develop our work and read the work of others in relation to their political moment and social context. We will refine our ability to critically examine and articulate the work of other artists, while learning to take new risks and make informed decisions with our own work. The course will culminate in a live(streamed) performance event and accompanying written reflection of the work presented.

Interarts Forum Course Description:
Interarts Forum is a aimed at fostering creative community and collaboration within the BFA program. In lieu of regular weekly one-hour classes, we will participate in a series of events, including performance viewings, workshops with visiting artists, and the presentation new work.

Students will: