Art Production and Social Knowledge
Relationship to Development Communications
Abstract
This paper discusses the identity of “artist” as a collaborator in building social knowledge, rather than just as an independent producer of a physical piece of artwork. As such, the mutual process of problem-solving and communication will be valued above the production of the aesthetic object. The idea is about difference and voice: bringing differences in culture, ethnicities, and survival concerns to the forefront of an exchange. Such engagement acknowledges those who are marginalised by mainstream systems, yet it also engenders mutual understanding, which counters all sides‟ constructed biases. Can a non-hierarchal relationship to knowledge exist? The paper concludes with how to make these ideas launching points for collaborative art production that will catalyse social service approaches and communication.