...Krensky and Steffen (2009) proposed that ‘Community Art’ is unique where “professional artists work directly with others in grassroots settings to create art in the public interest”. While this definition instills a romanticized image of community artists empowering villagers in remote mountains, probably many more work with not-so-grassroots groups on projects whose interests are harder to grasp.
If the
community art process is as transformative as all that its advocates claims it
to be, an art facilitator should be able to take that high-paying job at the
private Catholic school, and open the eyes of that hypothetical spoiled rich
kid to see the ‘sufferings of the world’.
In fact, this is sometimes the case reported by community art
facilitators who have taken on such jobs.
Therefore, this proposal adopts a modified definition, where “artists
work directly with others to create art”.
The reality of this profession has prompted the negation of
‘professional’ from the definition. Not
only is the term ‘Professional artist’ problematic in itself, many capable
facilitators used to be social-workers, teacher or longtime participant turned
facilitator....
