'On the Contrary: Rethinking Engaged Art in an Age of Social Unrest' is a collection of essays that re-evaluate key artistic concepts that influence the way in which engaged practices are conducted. Historically produced ideas about, for example, spectatorship, autonomy, what an artwork is, and the political role of the artist determine to a large degree how contemporary practices constitute themselves. Might these concepts be faulty when acted out in practices that occupy fundamentally diffe...

This edited volume offers an in-depth exploration of Dutch media art from 1985 onwards from many different perspectives. Through early access to the Internet, state subsidies and dedicated institutions and festivals, a vivid counter-cultural environment and a cosmopolitan artistic and intellectual scene the Netherlands hold a unique position in regards to the development of media art.

Introduced by four chapters that retrace the main events and actors (governmental institutions, festivals an...

In 'The emancipated museum' the art historian and researcher Steven ten Thije engages in a personal inquiry into the importance of art museums in a society that is becoming ever more fragmented. In spite of the unprecedented success of museums in attracting masses of visitors, the future of the museum is uncertain. Museums may appear calm and self-assured to outsiders, but not even this noble showcase of art is immune to the cracks in society. The tensions between high and low, newcomer and n...

Queer Culture+ explores the rich intersection of queer studies and art, emphasizing how these two fields coalesce to challenge societal norms and redefine identity, gender, and sexuality. Queer studies, an inherently interdisciplinary field, delves deep into understanding and critiquing traditional concepts of gender and sexuality while embracing non-normative identities. The text situates queer art within this context, illustrating how it has evolved from marginalized expressions to mainstre...

'Self-Institution/Terminology Audit' is a collection of profiles and lexicons documenting artistic practices that operate as self-declared institutions. It examines the act of self-institution as both a conceptual and operational approach, focusing on how these practices structure themselves and engage with their contexts. Initiated by the Office for Joint Administrative Intelligence (O.J.A.I.), this publication investigates artist offices, bureaus, departments, ministries, societies, centres...

Media, Arts & Design Education+ explores the dynamic intersection of arts education and global diversity, offering insights into how inclusive and innovative educational practices are reshaping the field. This volume features contributions from international scholars and practitioners, examining how arts education evolves in response to societal shifts, digital innovation, and the growing need for inclusivity. Through critical discussions and case studies, the book highlights the transformati...

The fourth instalment of the ‘Teaching Objects’ series revolves around “Creation”. In this art novella the reader is guided by Lisa, a young artist who is facing death. A dialogue with four works by the American painter Cy Twombly emerges from the question of life’s duration, and Lisa discovers the secret of creative speech. The protagonist’s thoughts bring her to Gaeta, a seaside town near Velia, the ancient Greek town in Italy, now named Elea – the place where the school of Pa...

In The Aesthetics of Ambiguity: Understanding and Addressing Monoculture betogen Pascal Gielen en Nav Haq dat multiculturalisme paradoxaal genoeg gebaseerd is op monocultureel denken. De publicatie verkent deze paradox door monocultuur in verschillende hedendaagse contexten te onderzoeken. Het boek wil monocultuur analyseren met behulp van een veelzijdige benadering, door historische, sociale, culturele en ideologische perspectieven samen te brengen. Kunst kan daarbij zowel dienen als middel ...

Met de publicatie van 'Cultural Activism Today. The Art of Over-Identification' willen de initiatiefnemers een lans breken voor activistische kunstuitingen die durven te provoceren. In het huidige neoliberale politieke klimaat is weinig ruimte voor maatschappijkritische culturele uitingen tenzij ze zich aanpassen aan de wetten van de vrije markt of de afgesproken normen en waarden. Dit boek wil aantonen dat dit doorbroken kan worden met over-identificatie: compromisloos je idealen naleven. In...