KAB260 Contemporary Art: Public and Social Practice

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit is focused on consolidating critical frameworks for individual and collaborative art making and understanding key contexts in relation to public art and social art practice. Art practices that extend beyond the gallery and build different relationships with the public have been essential to the development of modern and contemporary art. In the 21st century, there is also a broader recognition that First Nations’ perspectives make a fundamental contribution to practices in these modes. In this unit, you will respond to these critical debates in contemporary art, and present public or socially engaged art projects.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Identify, interpret, and articulate knowledge about cultural concepts and contexts in contemporary art
2. Apply creative and critical processes to develop ideas and practical outcomes in relation to social practice and public art contexts
3. Analyse and critically reflect on the form, process, content and context of contemporary artworks
4. Communicate effectively in oral, written and visual modes appropriate to contemporary art contexts

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following activities:

lectures that address key theoretical frameworks and practices in relation to socially engaged and public art, with tutorial-based discussions of critical and contextual readings and analysis of artworks. In project-based learning, you will work individually and/or in groups to research, conceptualise and present an artwork that engages in social practice and public space. This will involve site visits and working in a range of public and community contexts.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Peer reviews and tutor consultations will give you formative feedback on your progress throughout the semester. You will also receive written feedback on your project proposal in Assessment 2, which will directly relate to and inform your major Creative Project.

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes the compilation of an annotated bibliography identifying relevant theoretical and creative sources for the development of your project, and the presentation of a project proposal for a socially engaged or public artwork. The culminating project demonstrates your ability to develop and realise a public artwork and reflect on its context and meaning. Formative assessment involves feedback on project development and research.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Annotated Bibliography

You will compile an annotated list of relevant artworks and theoretical sources that provide a critical framework for your project. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Project Proposal

You will present a proposal for a public or social art project, including a rationale and visual support materials. 

Assessment: Project

You will develop and present a public or social artwork project and prepare a written rationale that analyses and contextualises the project. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement) 

This unit also requires a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio. Some students may be required to complete a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.

A Project Risk Management Plan is also mandatory.

Costs

Student contributions to the production costs of artworks. Cost varies depending on the nature of individual studio practice and projects.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.  

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. 

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

For CIESJ Tiers 2 and 3 Health and Safety requirements, you will be instructed on safe procedures and the required safety gear for all studio and workshop processes that are demonstrated. Health and Safety files are readily available for all materials and machinery in all studio areas. Technical supervision is provided for workshops and available on a regular basis during the week. Technical supervision is mandatory in 3D workshop and printmaking studios.

A minimum of three students is required for after-hours access to studios.

Risk assessment forms must be completed and submitted before project work starts. You have an obligation to make yourself familiar with and adhere to the Contemporary Art Studio Health and Safety Procedures and Documents provided on Canvas as part of the unit. For further information also refer to the QUT Health and Safety website.

Contemporary Art engages with a wide range of content and contexts and this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matter that could be considered confronting or triggering. This includes, but is not limited to, discussions about and representations of trauma and violence, as well as experiences of mental and physical health. These may be in relation to topics including race, class, gender, politics, and religion. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts

1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
   Relates to: ULO1, Annotated Bibliography
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Annotated Bibliography, Project Proposal, Project
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO2, Project Proposal, Project
4. Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO2, Project Proposal, Project
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Project Proposal, Project
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Project Proposal, Project
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO3, Project
8. Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
   Relates to: ULO2, Project Proposal, Project
9. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
   Relates to: ULO3, Project
10. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
    Relates to: ULO1, Annotated Bibliography
11. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Project Proposal, Project