Culture building is an ongoing process; it is always happening. The question is: what culture are we building? While this may seem a daunting question, it exposes the reality that we may not always have the information, tools or desire to build the future culture we envision. Art and design offer many avenues and ways of seeing that can help us better understand how and why the culture we are a part of takes shape.

For many individuals, art and design are fields that are easy to see the importance of but difficult to truly understand. In Shockoe Artspace’s course series Culture Builders these fields are explored through four specific lenses: seeing, writing, curating and making.

Each course is designed to unpack the necessary information and components needed to engage in meaningful dialogue with artists and designers as well as their work. In short, these courses are about helping anyone with a small amount of desire enter the world of art and design with confidence.

Course cohorts are limited to ten participants and each course will be six weeks in length. The six sessions will be instructional and experiential as students are taught methods and are led through applicable exercises to grow in their ability to see, write, curate and make.

All courses are led by Shockoe Artspace staff as well as local painters, makers, designers, educators and art writers. Intensive reading and discussion as well as visits to local galleries, studios, museums and nonprofits will be integral to the learning experience.

More information about course times, fees and the application process coming soon!