Social Engagement Courses
Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan
Courses Taught: Social Spaces
Social Spaces Course Description:
This course explores the ways in which artists, designers, and citizens work within the public sphere. Students will gain an understanding of socially engaged art and design practice while learning the approaches and skills essential to engagement work. Through ongoing discussions and assignments, students will explore ways that their creative practice can exist outside of and parallel to the traditional art world. They will broaden their understanding of the role that art can play in strengthening and empowering communities. Coursework will include lectures, class exercises, discussions, and collaborative projects. By the end of the semester, students will have become more attuned to the social structures in which they reside and have a greater vocabulary, awareness and skill set as socially engaged artists/designers.
Social Spaces Zine Fest @ the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market, October 2022
Sound Walks @ UMMA, March 2022
A collection of sound walks and audio tours, created by students from the Stamps School of Art & Design “Social Spaces” course taught by Emilia White. Step into another world at UMMA by listening to these students’ interpretations of the artwork, architecture, sounds, and spaces. Each tour invites the listener to explore the museum in a new and unexpected way.
Links to Walks and Descriptions by artist:
You Will Always Be Here by Meghan McCarthy
Start Location: Center of the Tisch Apse, first floor, facing the words “YOU ARE HERE” on the floor.The Sound of Art by Dara Amin
Start Location: On the third floor, in the modern art wing at the southeast corner of the wing facing the two large canvases, one of which is red and one that is black with white circles.Unfamiliarity by Charlotte Lee
Start Location: In the A. Alfred Taubman Gallery I, in front of the piece “Heart of Autumn” (back wall towards the left).Path of Intrigue by Lindsay Farb
Start Location: The hallway walking into the Tisch Apse (to the right of the check-in desk up the steps).Stroll and Sit Across UMMA by Madison Quist
Start Location: Main entrance / check in center.Simulated Harmonies by Cristen Sunga
Start Location: The Modern / Contemporary Wing on the Mezzanine floor (to the right of the elevator) starting at Auguste Herbin’s piece Composition. The audio tour ends at Picasso’s piece Portrait of Francois (moving to the left). The sound piece covers a total of five paintings.UMMA Walk by Becca Mahon
Start Location: Any large open area, either the Tisch Apse or Vertical Gallery are best.UMMA Audio Tour by Rachel Liu
Start Location: By the main entrance doors, facing the help / check-in desk.Wish You Were Here by Max Hrigora
Start Location: In the Wish You Were Here exhibition room in front of the area of wall that states the name of the exhibit and also includes some supplemental information about it.Audio Walk for Museum Beginners by Nahee Kang
Start Location: In the tisch apse near to the elevator.Feeling Different Cultures by Kaye Lee
Start Location: 2nd floor of central and South Asian part, on the right side.Aesthetic Pleasure by LaKyla Thomas
Start Location: Lower level front entrance next to the UMMA Gift Shop.UMMA Walk by Bella Ford
Start Location: Inside the main entrance that is past the large head statue, by the help desk and the stairs to the right.Look Up, Look Down by Ariana Shaw
Start Location: First floor. Near the glass doors in the Tisch Apse entrance, on the rug between the two living room setups.Arizona Smith by Dan Draper
Start Location: In the vertical gallery (between the UMMA gift shop and the cafe).Listen to What’s Around You by Iris Jung
Start Location: First floor. Where the distorted head sculpture is.Untitled by Kristina Roberts
Start Location:On the first floor, starting at the sculpture where you pull a string. It is the only art piece that you can touch on the first floor.
Public Art/Interactive Projects 2021-2022
Social Spaces QUARANTINE EDITION 2020-2021
