Invitation for input to the Library Artwork Task Team
Date Released: Fri, 25 May 2012 11:53 +0200
A Library Artwork Task Team has been appointed to draw up a guiding vision or concept for artwork in the 'new' library.
We welcome ideas you might have in regard to any of the questions posed, or any other points you might wish to make which would assist us in our deliberations. Please send these to f.still@ru.ac.za to be received by the 1st of June.
1. Do you have any ideas for a theme that could link the artworks in the library? Would a theme guiding the subject matter of works be desirable?
2. A new initiative can be used to support emerging and local artists - people working on their own as well as community art projects. But it can also be a unique opportunity to build up a collection of works by very established South African artists which could be a valuable asset for the institution as well as of educational value. Should we be conceptualising new art as a way of supporting little known artists, or should we be using this as a forum for investing in the work of established artists?
3. This raises some fundamental questions about the purpose that art in the library serves. Are we looking to get art to add interest to the walls, or could and should this art serve additionally as a forum for educational purposes or community engagement initiatives. If they are to have functions additional to adding interest to the walls (and it is not imperative they do), how exactly might they do this?
4. Related to the above is a very difficult question but one that is crucial for us to confront if we are to move forward. Should we necessarily steer clear of art with content that is disturbing or potentially contentious? Or, given that this is a university, should we consider that images shown in its library ought to prompt critical thought, questions and debate rather than being consistently unobtrusive?
We welcome ideas you might have in regard to any of the questions above, or any other points you might wish to make which would assist us in our deliberations. Please send these to f.still@ru.ac.za to be received by the 1st of June.
Thank you
Fiona Still-Drewett
Principal LibrarianFaculty Liaison,
Humanities & Education
RU Library Services
