Symposium “Public Art: Structures, Programs and Arrangements” – Announcements

The symposium “Public Art: Structures, Programs and Arrangements” is devoted to the analysis and discussion of the conditions for the initiation of new projects and works of art, as well as the requirements for maintaining the existing arsenal of art in public space. Particular attention is paid to the involvement of independent experts, political bodies and administrations in relevant processes. The spatial focus of the study is in the Federal Republic of Germany and the time frame covers the last ten years. The symposium is divided into three thematic blocks.

November 22, 2024: Museum of Art and Cultural Studies.

13:30–17:30: Public art and museum.
The first thematic block will focus on the relationship between museums and art in the public domain. This will entail analyzing cases where museum institutions undertake the scientific and/or technical management of works of art located in urban environments. At the heart of this analysis will be an exploration of how museums can contribute to the development of public art. It will also provide an opportunity to explore the implications this may have for museums.

Speakers: Georg Elben, Sebastian Freytag, Professor Peter Gorschlüter, Julia Höner, Dr. des. Nora Jäger, Professor Folke Köbberling, Andre Kölsch, Barbara Walter.

18:30–20:30: Evening lecture.
There has been a noticeable shift in the arts landscape in recent years, with increased competition between public space and social media. In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich will provide a detailed analysis and discussion of this phenomenon using a number of case studies. Case studies will be used to develop hypotheses regarding the future development of public art.

23 November 2024: Baukunstarczyw NRW, Ostwall 7, 44135 Dortmund.

9:00–13:30: Collaboration and constellations.
The second thematic block of the symposium is devoted to the consideration of case studies in which actors intervene in public space at the supra-municipal level, as well as the analysis of collaborative groupings that contribute to decentralized projects. In addition, this thematic block will also consider independent art initiatives that implement art projects with greater independence from art institutions. Innovative forms of commissions that test new approaches to decision-making and funding will also be considered.

Speakers: Markus Ambach, Katrin Jentjens, Professor Misha Kubal, Marijke Lukowicz, Britta Peters, Lea Shleiffenbaum.

2–4:30 p.m.: Municipal public art programs.
The third thematic cluster will focus on three major cities that exemplify the cultural and political desire to shape urban environments through the creation of timeless works of art, or to temporarily transform public spaces through the implementation of time-based artistic approaches. The range of responsibilities assigned to the relevant administrative bodies is broad and varied. In addition to creating new works of art and temporary exhibitions, these organizations are also responsible for advising the relevant political authorities and implementing mediation measures. A notable aspect of this thematic unit is the observation of differences in decision-making processes, administrative structures, and financial and human resources used.

Speakers: Dr. Daniel Bürkner, Tosin Stiefel, Joanna Warsha.

17–18:30: Closing panel discussion: What kind of public art for Dortmund?
Over the past two years, there have been discussions within the Dortmund city administration about how to develop public art structures and processes. The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion on the possible content and focus of public art for the city of Dortmund, based on the content and models presented at this symposium.

Speakers: Dr. Jacques Heinrich Toussaint, Rebecca Seubert, Denise Ritter, Kai von Keitz.

Admission: free with mandatory registration.

Language: German

The symposium was conceived by Dr. Jacques Heinrich Toussaint and organized by André Kölsch. The result of cooperation between the Department of Art in Public Spaces of the City of Dortmund and Baukunstarchiv NRW.