This session looks at how readings of class and inequality might be applied to artworks, as a means of advocacy.

Your host Jon Sleigh will reflect on a recent project with the National Gallery on class, and its application in three physical tours at the gallery. Key questions and sharing will look at the value of applying contemporary lived experience to historical work. This workshop’s particular focus is around ideas of class and economic inequality. The workshop will also consider how the educator might orient themselves within such readings, in ways that support the educator’s own safeguarding. We’ll look at language, establishing ethics of content with audiences, and reading the pieces not as a form of division – but as a positive and usable tool that brings others together.

This session features artworks from the Government Art Collection. As well as contributions from the GAC’s Curator of Public Engagement, Chantal Condron, we will be applying art readings on class, to artworks, as practical examples. While each artwork holds significance as being part of a national collection, they also offer the potential of being incredibly emotive works with which to explore our arts practice.

Half the session will be the practical application of arts engagement using the Government Art Collection, while the second half will feature break out rooms where groups can discuss experiences, share best practice, and offer their readings on selected artworks.

We hope you can join us for a warm, peer led and useful space to consider your arts practice.