How can we transcend disciplinary boundaries to discover new ways of learning about the city of the future? How can artists, architects, researchers, activists and designers put their heads together to create alternative learning environments and thus enter into new relationships with their cities, their environments and their communities?

Sam Thorne, Director of Nottingham Contemporary, will give an insight into his research on self-organised art schools and artist-run learning platforms across the globe, based on his book ‘School: A Recent History of Self-Organised Art Education’ (2017). In 2013 Thorne co-founded ‘Open School East’ (first located in London, now in Margate), a space for artistic and collaborative learning that is freely accessible and inclusive and where a diversity of voices are represented.

Architectural historian Wouter Vanstiphout presents ‘The Independent School for the City’ (Rotterdam), a post-graduate course for students from around the world with backgrounds in subjects such as design, planning, sociology, architecture, among others. The school is an initiative of Crimson Historians and Urbanists in partnership with ZUS (Zones Urbaines Sensibles) and combines a critical, activistic perspective on the city with the desire to effect real change through architectural projects and urban planning.

Participation is free but registration is required.

Language English