Dates: May 27th, June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 2025
Time: 7 – 9 pm
Language: English
Location: KNSM laan 153, Amsterdam
Max. 8 participants
Price: Euro 200,–
More info: contact Margret Wibmer: info@margretwibmer.eu
Art for Impact is a course offered by Studio Margret Wibmer in collaboration with the Institute for Cultural Activism International. It focuses on socially engaged art and provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the history and diversity of this practice. Through the projects of world-renowned artists known for their commitment to humanity, ecology, sustainability, and social equity, the program introduces different approaches to how social art practices nurture both global and local cultures of impact. Art for Impact fosters the wish and potential for a more connected, creative and just world, through social engagement, cross-cultural exchange and respect through art.
All sessions will take place at Studio Margret Wibmer, located on the waterside in a historic industrial building in Amsterdam (Loods 6). Normally closed to the public, this inspiring space offers participants a rare opportunity to experience a truly unique and stimulating environment that will spark lively interaction.
PROGRAM:
27 May:
Socially engaged art. What is it? After a thorough introduction, John Halpern and Emily Harris, artists and founders of the Institute for Cultural Activism International, a US based non for profit, advancing global connection through art, media, education, and community action, will join us from New York via Zoom. They will share their expertise, vision and practice.
5 June:
Socially engaged art focuses on process rather than final outcome. Through these processes the close relations between social equity and ecological health surface. Based on examples by artists from the Global South and other parts of the world, we will explore and discuss new uses of art within society and how artists respond to current urgencies.
12 June:
Beyond the image. The role of photography in the context of socially engaged practice. Participants will be introduced to the practice of two outstanding artists based in New York who use photography as their medium, examining socio-political conditions.
19 June:
Considering the many crisis we are currently facing, how do artists choose their areas of social and environmental engagement? Based on examples from artists at the forefront of socially engaged art, we will explore their driving forces and intrinsic motivation, their strategies and tools.
26 June:
In this final session, we will delve deeper into the tools artists use to strengthen community and to create environments and situations that inspire, encourage, and empower people to contribute to a more just world and a thriving planet.
There will be plenty of room for questions regarding the vision of these artists, their works and various approaches, relevant to participants’ own field of knowledge.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- You will gain a basic understanding of socially engaged art through the introduction of artistic practices by renown artists from around the globe.
- We will explore, step by step, how these artists translate personal observations, experiences and concerns into impactful works of art.
- Based on examples we will discuss how these artists approach pressing issues and how they engage and empower audiences.
- We will explore these practices in relation to participants’ area of knowledge, inviting rich and dynamic conversations.
- Participation in this course will provide you with rare access to artistic practices that go beyond aesthetics and to free resources such as ICAI’s ‘The Tuning Fork’ which offers a wealth of learning material.
REQUIREMENTS
There are no specific requirements. Participants from different backgrounds are welcome. Courses are open to participants from 20 years of age or older. Previous Art for Impact courses have included participants from fields such as sustainability, social equity, green finance, human rights, artists, art educators, curators, researchers, psychologists, and others.
ABOUT MARGRET WIBMER
Margret Wibmer who runs Art for Impact since 2022, in her studio in Amsterdam in collaboration with ICAI, is an internationally exhibited artist, participatory art producer and art educator, with a broad knowledge in contemporary arts and breaking developments in the field. She has many years of teaching experience in The Netherlands and beyond. Since 2020 she is adjunct lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. In 2022 she joined the Institute for Cultural Activism International (USA) as collaborator, performer and board member.
Amsterdam Art team and VIP’s at Studio Margret Wibmer, Amsterdam. Photo credits: Amsterdam Art, 2023.