2017 Conference of the Universities Art Association of Canada (UAAC)

Session 1: Why Public Art? Practices, Strategies, and Rivalry in Post-Digital Societies

Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebration in 2017 has involved an unprecedented number and variety of public art patrons, who have commissioned high caliber, expensive projects relying on a vast range of expertise, techniques, and mediums. This public art “hysteria” appears to be a worldwide phenomenon. In Out of Time, Out of Place: Public Art Now (2015), Claire Doherty argues that, in commissioners’ eyes, the work of public art might act as a symbol of a city’s progressive, contemporary credentials to rival other megalopolis. Indeed, never before has public art attracted the attention of political and economical elites as it does today in major post-digital societies. This session invites artists and scholars to reflect upon why, and under which forms and approaches, is public art at the centre of most post-digital cities’ urban planning and development. Within this session, “public art” is understood as publicly situated art, whether temporary or permanent. 

Submissions are welcome for papers to be given in either French or
English; they have to be sent to the session chairs Analays Alvarez [a.alvarezhernandezutoronto.ca] and Marie-Josée Therrien [mtherrienfaculty.ocadu.ca] by May 12, 2017, at the latest.

Submissions must include: the name and email address of the applicant; the applicant’s institutional affiliation and rank; the paper title; an abstract (300 words maximum); and a brief bio (150 words maximum). Submissions must be provided as an editable document, preferably in MS word.

Proposals may be submitted by current members or non-members of UAAC.

Non-members must become members of UAAC and pay registration fees in order to present a paper at the conference. Membership dues and
registration fees must be received by September 15, 2017.

Please see complete information on the UAAC website at http://www.uaac-aauc.com/en/conference.