This course focuses on the production of public art projects in public places and streets in the city (especially in association with cultural events), socially engaged art and community art. Students will examine the conceptual framework for what public art is and its context (either permanent or in cultural events), how artists and people are engaged, and how public art is managed.

As the course begins, the instructor will provide an orientation class on public art, public art controversies, temporary works, current issues, the roles that stakeholders play in the public art process, educational programming, the interaction between art and culture, and the importance of public art planning.

For the key project, students will be required to work in small group to produce a public art project that will introduce the following:

●      Research, context, process and expected impact (especial for social change)

●      Site specific. Time specific. Context specific. (Sites in Ho Chi Minh City are encouraged).

●      The socio-political significance of the placement and imposition of symbols in the public arena.

●      Public interaction, engagement and collaboration.

Readings, case studies, and site visits will be used to give students an overview of the field of public art and the role that public art plays in communities in the city.