The International Sculpture Center (ISC), is seeking panel proposals for the 30th International Sculpture Conference in Detroit, MI this September 30-October 3, 2020. This conference will feature the annual ISC littleSCULPTURE show, ARTSlams and breakout sessions, engaging panel discussions, evening parties, hands-on workshops, a keynote address, open studios and gallery hops, optional art and culture trips, public art tours and visits to nearby sculpture sites, and more.
This year’s conference will focus on topics in contemporary sculpture and proposals submitted should fall into the below categories. We are looking for panels which explore the following topics and ideas:
Rooted in Quiet Corners / The Power of Invisibility
This topic will explore grassroots efforts and how they have benefited their communities. Is institutionalized visibility necessary to affect change? How have movements like this enabled autonomy for artists and organizations that have come after them?
Science, Art, and the Environment
This topic will highlight how artists, community leaders, scientists, and activists are working to shed light on environmental issues. Why is art an important part of activism?
Art, Money, and Real Estate
How does rapid development help or hurt communities? How does art contribute to this change? Is there a balance that can be achieved?
Navigating and Claiming Space
This topic will consider both conceptual and commercial ideas of space. How do artists determine the value of a place? How do artists occupy space?
Conversations on Equity, Access, and Inclusion
What role does diversity play in the arts? What are the ways in which equity, access, and inclusion are dictated by class and politics? How can we help those that are lacking in these resources?
New Media and Technology
How are artists and art organizations using technological platforms and tools to gain an audience? How are algorithms changing the way we see art?
Art/Sculpture and Architecture
What is the relationship of art and architecture? How do we encounter art on a daily basis? How does sculpture and public art represent space?
Technical Talks and Workshops
Submissions to this topic should include educational programming meant to teach or introduce to participants practical skills, techniques, or ideas which they can then use in their work or daily lives.
Wildcard
Other topics in contemporary sculpture