Case Study Koestler 1

I was going to study Artangel for the Professional Context case study - in many ways a microcosm of the art world, which has a wealth of research opportunities and many different areas I could have chosen - the artists themselves, the commissioning process, the placing of artworks in non gallery settings, and so on. Perhaps valuable for me to study in time anyway.

artangel 

However, a new opportunity has arisen for actual involvement in an arts organisation as a volunteer. The Koestler Trust is involved in the arts for offenders, exoffenders and secure patients. I am going along there this week to arrange being part of the team which processes artworks for their award scheme. There will be opportunities to attend meetings and find out how such organisations run.

koestler trust

It will undoubtedly be fascinating to see and handle hundreds and thousands of artworks. I will also be able to write feedback

Alot of the work from these prisons would be described as outsider art, some naiive, some revealing psychosis. The aim of the trust is to raise esteem and give prisoners new chances - some have continued training in the arts after prison and become practitioners.

Last year I applied to be one of their mentors, although I really don't have experience in working with offenders. In time, though, I may well want to work in this area a little. Another bright light to stare at rather than look away from.

I'm also interested in helpful things for my CV towards teaching. Although unpaid, I'm going to give it a day a week when I can.

It is relevant to the MA and my own practice in that I am interested in schooled and unschooled art, in creativity and the power of art in life.

9th April 2011