The CAS Arts and International Cooperation is positioned in the intersection between three main fields:
- Socially engaged art that is active in social transformation, especially in intercultural and intercontinental contexts, politically fragile contexts and peace building processes
- Cooperation between artists and mandating institutions.
- Cooperation between actors from diverse political and cultural contexts.
Artists' initiatives in the above contexts and their contributions to reconstruction and reconciliation after violent conflict have attracted increasing attention. The social benefits of sustaining a sphere of artistic production in times of crisis and global challenges have become visible. Examples of the integrative and transformative power of art in divided societies and of its potential to empower so-called marginalized communities can be found in many regions of the world. However, it requires specific professional skills of artists, organizers, and donor agencies to work in cross-cultural collaborations, fragile regions or in the aftermath of violent conflict. These include familiarity with contemporary art practices as well as knowledge about intercultural and intercontinental cooperation, peace building and critical perspectives on cultural exchange.
Modules
The training consists of two modules taught at the Zurich University of the Arts (module 1 and 3) and one study trip (module 2) to a region where exemplary art projects are visited. Participants who wish to obtain the Certification of Advanced Studies conclude with an individual thesis within the framework of a mentoring module (module 4). They share their works in a final diploma event.
The course language in modules 1–3 is English, in module 4 (individual), it is English or German.