What changes are necessary for university education? Particularly in Russia? Particularly for art education?
The answer to this is quite complex. The first step in moving forward the evolution of the Russian educational system is to introduce curriculum that breaks down barriers between various areas of study and helps students develop individual creative problem solving processes. Currently students learn within single programs whose curriculum is delivered in linear in fashion. Students and faculty alike need to begin to reach outside of their specific area of study and work in collaborative teams to develop innovative ideas and address the technical and social issues that face individuals, businesses and regions throughout Russia.
In terms of contemporary art education, Russia does an incredible job of teaching young artists how to draw, paint and work in other areas of the plastic arts. They do not however have a system for teaching contemporary art that offers the time and depth of inquiry necessary for a young artist to learn the visual and intellectual language that is associated with contemporary art. Learning the language of contemporary art is like learning French or English, it takes time to develop a deep understanding of the language and its nuances. I am not advocating Russian artists learn to make or imitate art being produced in Europe and America, quite the opposite. Russian artists need to apply this contemporary language to their unique way of seeing and interpreting the world.
What innovative practices are there in contemporary photography?
The innovations in, and impact of, contemporary photography is three fold. First, the value of a concept in a contemporary photograph is paramount. This does not mean that the artist is absolved from creating a well articulated image, but it does mean that the artist needs to carefully consider the concept of the image, the context of that idea, the space in which the image will exist, and the intent with which he or she creates their work. Second, photography has rapidly moved from a print based medium to a one that exists primarily in digital form on computers, handheld devices and in projected environments. These changes affect the way in which the artist and audience engage with and consider photography, as well as the meaning of imagery as it exists in these new spaces. Finally, as image making has become more accessible and democratic, it has altered the value of a single image or images. Moments that were once given great value due to the act of capturing them and enshrining them in physical form have now become disposable as images are rapidly created, uploaded, and deleted every second.
In what way can changes in management of university influence theRussian cities economy?
The management of a university has a direct affect on a city and regions economy. Regional universities should be centers for cooperative research in all of its forms, providing benefits to regional, national and international businesses. They should also be incubators for developing individual and innovative problem solving processes, fostering new ideas and providing solutions to the ever changing problems facing their region and the country. Universities need to provide an environment that allows for the kind of “positive failure” that does not happen in business, allowing students to take risks and fail along the path to new ideas. They should also be a center for collaboration between different fields of work and study in the educational, private and public sectors. Finally, they should provide pathways and incentives for faculty to grow and stay both contemporary and relevant.
It is only with the help and support of a strong university administration working in concert with its faculty, students and the public and private sector that this environment can be created. If above is achieved the university will become an essential catalyst in the development of an active business environment and the growth of the innovative knowledge based economy that the Tomsk region, and Russia at large, is striving for.
Why is it interested for you to work in Russia?
Over the past five years I have had the pleasure of spending 100 to 120 days a year in Russia, visiting 22 cities while working young people and administrators in the fields of contemporary art, photography, and education. This work would not have been possible without the extraordinary kindness of many people across Russia, I am thankful for that and hope to be able to give back in return for their help and good kind intentions.
During my travels I have found to be Russia a country filled with great potential and people who care deeply about her future. It is a country with a tremendous opportunity to develop; a progressive educational system that will allow for stronger growth, a creative and innovative culture, and a larger middle class.
What do you expect from your visit to Tomsk, from your participation in Tomsk innovation forum?
I look forward to the opportunity to learn from new colleagues, develop new partnerships, and to provide new ideas, information and insights for my colleagues in Tomsk and the surrounding region. In addition, I hope to find ways to partner with regional universities, businesses and the local community in the future. I am looking forward to an interesting and information filled event.
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