J.O. Haselhoef

A social artist who creates and organizes communities.

Social Practice Art

"Art has a lot to do with solving problems. Art affirms identity. Art gives voice. Art expresses difference, and it expresses consensus. Art brings up issues."
                                                                                                                             Suzanne Lacy, Social Practice Artist

Social practice aims to accelerate the process for social change, foster dialogue, or intervene in social systems. "Social practice art is a collaborative, participatory art form," defines Redline, a contemporary art center in Denver, Co., "where social interaction, community engagement, and activism form the 'medium,' often prioritizing the process of creation over a finished, permanent object."

Characteristics of this artwork, according to Save the City/Save the World, it is:

  • Collaborative: Projects are created with a community, not just for them.
  • Social Change: The goal is to address issues like urban decline, marginalization, or political inequality.
  • Process-Based: Focuses on the experience and conversation rather than a finished object.
  • Public Sphere: Often takes place outside museums, in community centers, schools, or public spaces.