Last time, after my presentation I was asked about the Free Class, in which I studied and also taught in during the last year, and thought that maybe some of you might be interested in how it works.
Unfortunately there is only some information in English, which you can find either here below or following this link:
http://freieklasseakbild.blogspot.pt/p/uber-uns.html
We use this web site mainly for public relations and to announce events we organized or will visit together.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me.
Best,
Thomas
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The main motivation for founding it was to design a particular form of open and self-determined teaching, as an alternative model for the master class principle. We see the open class as a framework for realizing projects autonomously.
The flexible approach to interests that are generated during the working processes of the students is an essential part of the teaching model.
With the developed model we want to promote an open and participatory form of teaching. By including fellow artists, art theorists, and colleagues into our working processes the free class becomes a forum for exchange and collaboration.
In this way we confront ourselves with the expectations on artistic education.
We see independently organized teaching as part of artistic practice and see our actions as a constructive critique of existing structures.
The ability to critique is an essential skill, not only in art education, but also supports the conscious positioning as artists.
The free class is an open group in which the contribution of the participants determines interest and focus. Through a decentralized operation, we hope to establish sustainable networks with existing structures at the Academy.
Implementation and teaching formats
The daily teaching in the open class is composed of:
- Weekly class meetings (student presentations, workshop and exhibition visits and externally organized events)
- Open class discussions with guests (artists, alumni, art theorists)
- Workshops
- Self-organized public events (lectures, talks, exhibitions, …)
The autonomous collective cooperation is an essential part of the open class.Tasks and projects are jointly planned and organized. The distribution of work is done on a voluntary basis and rotated at regular intervals. Proposals may be submitted by any individual at any time. Decisions that affect everyone (eg the budget), are made collectively.
