Introduction

In 2006 I created a course titled Activist Art. This course explores and defines activism and the roles artists play in instigating change and igniting community involvement. Along with examining significant historical and current trends in activist art through assigned readings, lectures, and in-class discussions, students are also required to create an “Activist Art Project”. As a Community Based Learning (CBL) course, Activist Art integrates course content with relevant community engagement. In this course, students team up with a “community partner” (community agency) and explore successful strategies and approaches to activist art in relation to the agency’s mission. These meetings culminate into a unique “activist” or “community” based project which bridges the gap between Southern Oregon University students and the citizens of the Rogue Valley.