NYSCC galleries and museums director presents at National Coalition Against Censorship workshop
Claire L. Kovacs, director of galleries and museums, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, participated in the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) 6th Annual Curatorial Workshop, “Curating Political Art and Politically-Outspoken Artists During Times of Intense Division,” on November 21 in New York City.
Kovacs, one of 20 participants in the workshop, presented a case study, a description for which is as follows: “Amid institutional pressures to provide a welcoming environment for diverse artists and audiences who demand different—sometimes conflicting—things, some institutions presume that to remain accessible to all, they must demonstrate ‘neutrality’ by suppressing any political content and avoid working with any artist who takes a vocal political position. And yet this approach not only restricts the artistic expression of artists, it precludes the possibility of a conversation at a time when it is perhaps most needed.”
NCAC’s 6th Curatorial Workshop is dedicated to helping curators meet the challenge of presenting political art and politically engaged artists during times of intense political tension. Through speaker presentations and group discussions, participants will consider strategies to address the specific challenges curators and institutions face when attempting to address politics in an increasingly polarized society.