Business of Art: The European Capitals of Culture

3 units

This unique course is designed for students of the arts and students of business interested in the relationship between arts and management, culture and commerce, as a site of possibility. Based in two sites - London and Galway in the west of Ireland - the course looks through the lens of the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) program, established in 1985. Visiting Galway 2020 will enable you to gain first-hand experience of how the vision of 'creative cities' - manifested through a yearlong program of events and initiatives - celebrates the arts and cultural engagement as 'drivers' for social and economic regeneration. Whilst London is an established center for business and the arts, Galway, is a smaller, regional city, which is hoping to use the awarding of the ECoC to grow in these areas. You will gain working knowledge of the complex needs of cultural producers, managers and entrepreneurs as leaders, facilitators and catalysts. You will come away with insights in to what is at stake for the people and environment in the spheres in which they operate. Whilst gaining knowledge of theoretical frameworks, the course has an emphasis on creativity and arts-based learning - debate, critique and visual and experiential methods. Preference is given to students minoring in Busines of Arts.