AADM-Y459, Public Policy and the Arts, MW, 12:45pm-2pm, PV 272, in-person

Course Description, Objectives, and Outcomes

This course looks at the various philosophies and practices of government support for the arts in the United States and elsewhere. Additional selected topics include ethical issues regarding problematic works of art, multiculturalism and diversity, equity and the arts, and the politization of art.

In this seminar style course, through scholarship, history, and current events, we will try to answer the following questions:

• What is public policy, what is art, and how are policies that affect the arts created and implemented?
• How do current governmental systems intersect with arts institutions and with artists domestically and internationally?
• Do multiculturalism and globalization influence arts policy?
• What is the role of advocacy in shaping arts policy?
• What might arts policy look like in the US in the future?

Student arts administrators will:

• Examine the goals, problems, and solutions to common US policymaking as they affect arts and culture locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Review the history and central tensions of arts policy and funding in the US.
• Increase arts policy literacy.
• Analyze and compose policy documents that demonstrate professional research, analysis, visual literacy, and communication skills.

Required Textbooks

All required readings for this course will be available on Canvas in their respective modules. 

Grading Scale