arts gp seminar

The Arts in Society: Value, Power, and Change Seminar Activity Overview Below is a selection of real-world case studies where the arts have triggered public controversy, challenged norms, or surfaced hidden tensions. Each example raises questions about how the arts function in society not just as creative expression, but as a space where values, power, and responsibilities are negotiated. Instructions 1. In pairs or groups of 3, select 2 case studies from the resource list provided. 2. At least one must be Singapore-based. 3. For each selection, select and apply two relevant critical lenses: - Value & Importance - Power - Change & Continuity - Control & Responsibility 4. Use the guiding questions below to frame your analysis. 5. Support your points with specific references to the selected case studies. You may present your findings as: - A short analytical write-up (approx. 400-500 words); OR - A comparative slide presentation (5–6 slides) Guiding Questions by Lens Use these to shape your group’s discussion and written analysis. You do not need to answer every question , but your response should reflect thoughtful engagement with how and why the arts provoke value judgments, power struggles, social change, or calls for control. You could also consider the prompts at the bottom of each quadrant to practise cross-lens thinking. Value & Importance ▪ Why are stakeholders interested in this artwork or issue? What do they stand to gain or lose? ▪ How central are these artistic or cultural issues to their identity, livelihood, or survival? Power ▪ How do and to what extent are stakeholders able to influence artistic outcomes, public opinion, or institutional decisions? ▪ Who defines what is acceptable, legitimate, or worthy in this artistic space?

▪ How do their values or interests clash or align with others? ▪ What kind of value is being debated -- artistic, cultural, symbolic, economic, moral? ▪ Is one set of values being privileged over others? If so, whom? Consider linking to Power : Who gets to decide which values are upheld? Consider linking to Control : Which types of value are sometimes used to justify restrictions? ▪ Do any stakeholders exercise power in excess or to the disadvantage of others? ▪ How do power imbalances (e.g. between state and artist, or global North/South) shape the debate? Consider linking to Value : Are some voices given more weight because of who they represent? Consider linking