Reframing Race in Art Writing is a course taught by Professor Mary-Kim Arnold at Brown University that considers how contemporary writers and critics respond to art that directly addresses race and challenges institutional power. We discuss past and recent controversies involving race and representation in exhibitions and examine the relationships between artists, museums and other art institutions, and public audiences. We consider how writing about arts and culture can advance public discourse about race, equity, and justice.
This site serves as a landing page to continue conversations surrounding the themes discussed throughout the course. Here, you will find class projects, resources, information about how the class was structured, and more. The site is divided into four sections according to the different topics of the course: Art Writing, Art World; Race & Art; Institutions, Funding, and “Diversity”; and Social Practice, Alternate Futures. These categories are not rigid and more often than not interact with each other and overlap.
Additionally, we want to note that the work of this course may not always feel complete or resolved. Recognizing the ongoing efforts and complexities of any kinds of critical interventions is part of what we are here to do as well. Our hope is that this site will serve as a living resource for those in the wider communities who are interested in exploring these topics.
Reframing Race in Art Writing is a Community-Based Learning and Research (CBLR) course designated by Brown University’s Swearer Center for Public Service. The CBLR fellow for the Fall 2021 iteration of the course was Grace Xiao, who is currently working on designing, implementing, and expanding this site. Like many of the conversations and discussions brought up in class, the site is still a work in progress! The fellowship is directed by Assistant Director of Engaged Scholarship Carmine Perrotti with the assistance of the Graduate Assistant Program Coordinator for the 2021-2022 academic year, Krysta Pelowich.
