From On the River
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What is “Civic Studio”?
The Civic Studio was established in 1999 as an experimental applied studio project by Grand Valley State University's Art and Design Program, and was developed with the support of the GVSU Dorothy Johnson Center for Philanthropy. It is unique in that each semester the studio is placed within a different public space. The studio's goal is to expand the relevance and utility of art in everyday public life through researching, interacting and participating with the local community.
Who is Civic Studio?
Members of the studio are all Grand Valley students that come from a range disciplines in order to use methods of visual art practices as means to study, form, and present art in a specific context.
So, what are you doing?
Due to the nature of Civic Studio, we do not have a concrete idea of what we are going to create or present before we engage the site. As we research the space we are in, we will come up with assignments and projects to do pertaining to the space. This is what makes Civic Studio so exciting! Just as public life is flexible, the studio allows itself to be shaped and molded as the project progresses. To join in on the excitement and see what we are currently working on you can either visit us on the bridge, (Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-5pm), or check back on this public wiki anytime. (http://www.civicstudio.org/river).
What's with the white boxes on the bridge?
The white shipping boxes on the bridge offer themselves as a temporary classroom, working space, gallery space and shelter for Civic Studio while the project is in place.
Why did you choose the bridge?
We wanted to be situated on the Grand River. The river is the longest in the State of Michigan and central to the city of Grand Rapids. As an object it simultaneously embodies multiple values that are natural, industrial, recreational, historical, social and cultural. Through the creation of visual art, members of the studio intend to mediate these different existing relationships with the river.
How long are you going to be on the bridge?
We will be on the bridge from September 1st through December 19th, 2009.
Can I participate with Civic Studio?
Yes you can! We always welcome anyone to send us any knowledge or research about the area we are in! Whether it's about the best skateboarding spots around the river or about the biology and history of the river, we want to hear about it! You can also play a role in what we do for projects by submitting assignments for us to do, or you can submit something for us like your own photos, poems, songs or true-life stories about the river. Basically, we want to hear from you!
Is Civic Studio participating in ArtPrize?
Yes we are! We will be showing our progress with the studio as well as any assignments we have completed. Come on by and check us out! http://artprize.org/artist/id/4510
