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2026 Spring

Writing for Arts & Culture - ART277 Spring 2026


Course
Tony Ozuna
For information about registration please contact our admissions.

This course is an introduction to arts writing by taking advantage of the rich cultural life of Prague. There will be a focus on the temporary art exhibitions,
not necessarily only contemporary art. Experimental theatre and film will also be integrated as interdisciplinary forms in contemporary art. This is so that we take advantage of the numerous cultural festivals in the city, particularly for film or theatre. An understanding and appreciation of the role of cultural organizations and institutions will be emphasized, and so students will also be given the opportunity to meet with representatives of cultural organizations. Field trips to galleries, exhibits and other cultural events in Prague will be an integral component of the course. This activity will be combined with discussions of assigned readings from seminal to contemporary cultural critics and journalists.The primary reading is "How to Write About Contemporary Art" by Gilda Williams (available a the Library). Students will hopefully publish an essay or review in online publications based in Prague, or beyond.

Here is the course outline:

1. There is no single 'best' way to write about art

Feb 3

Introduction to the many forms of arts writing. Site Visit: No Word for Home (at the Artivist Lab)

2. Eva Svankmajerova

Feb 10

Topic: The Czech Surrealists & Eva Svankmajerova

3. Violence +

Feb 17

Topic: Violence + (Hyperrealists on the Czech Scene) Site Visit: Violence + at the Villa Pelle

4. Delta (American Diaries)

Feb 24

Topic: Travel Photography Description: Delta region, Mississipi Site visit: Leica Gallery

5. The Art of Activism

Mar 3

Topic: The Art of Activism Site visit: The Art of Activism at Prague City Gallery

6. The Double

Mar 10

Topic: The Double at House of the Stone Bell, Prague City Gallery

7. Sahej Rahel - Beyond the City of Time

Mar 17

Site visit to Galerie Rudolfinum

8. L'Esprit Francais

Mar 24

L'Esprit Francais - French Interwar Advertising Posters at UMPRUM

9. Mid-Term Break

Mar 31

There is no session this week

10. Hit by News

Apr 7

Hit by New - Press Art from the Nobel Collection

11. Labyrinth + Barbara Benish

Apr 14

Topic: Barbara Benish, guest artist, activist and author Description: Guest lecture Site visit: Labyrinth at Chateau Troja - Prague City Gallery

12. The Art of Asia - Across Space & Time

Apr 21

Exhibition at Salm Palace (National Gallery of Prague)

13. Week 13 - Final Visits

Apr 29

site visits TBA

14. Final Visits - part 2

May 6

Topic: Final visits for the course - TBA Description: Final excursions for the short final article/assignment

15. Final Exams week

May 13

no meeting, but it is your chance to meet in the classroom for consultations about the review #2

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