Study Abroad/Off-Campus: Cuba: Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Policy International Seminar

Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Policy International Seminar ARTSAD 5030

Dates:
January 10–21, 2012 *Note: Dates subject to change

A winter destination for many due to its tropical weather, Havana promises a unique experience in the Caribbean. We will gain inside views into the complex art ecologies that have evolved in Havana and some of its localities. Cuban cultural policies have given rise to renowned dance troupes, alternative artist studios, ambitious artistic programs, and overall an extraordinary network of artists and administrators.

We will hear first hand from artists, ministers, and administrators. Our trip will begin by visiting the University of Havana for a presentation on the history and educational system of Cuba. A walk through the historic district will serve for our exploration into urban policy and historic restoration. We will also be visiting the notable UNEAC (Unión de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba) to get an insight into the complex exchange between the creative industry and its government. This will be juxtaposed by a visit to El Espacio Aglutinador, Cuba’s only ongoing independent art space since 1994. We will then take make a sweet escape El Patio de Pelegrin to visit an agricultural community project that hosts workshops for kids and families on traditional cuisine and candy-making. While in the region, there will be an opportunity to see local flora and fauna in Pinar del Río, a UNESCO World Heritage site and biosphere reserve.

We will return to central Havana to Museo de la Revolucion to learn about the complex history in Cuba, which we will try to make legible through our discussion with the Vice Minister of Culture, and members of the Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematográficos (ICAIC). Along our journey we will visit numerous artist studios for intimate conversations and meals. The course curriculum will be supplemented with literature and daily discussion on the topic of what it means to be within the artistic network of an island of 11 million people.

Credits: MAAAP students—3 credits ARTSAD 5030
Also available as elective credit to graduate students outside the Arts Administration and Policy program with approval of the Arts Administration Chair. Apply to rweiss@saic.edu for permission.

Instructors:
Rachel Weiss, Arts Administration and Policy, rweiss@saic.edu
Elizabeth Cerejido

Program fee:
Approximately $3,200 (including hotel, airfare Miami-Havana round trip, transportation in Havana, mandatory health insurance, breakfast daily, 3 dinners; not including airfare to Miami)

PLUS Tuition cost per credit:
Graduate—$1,356 per credit hour.

Airfare: Budget at least $400 for airfare to Miami if flying from Chicago. (Note this is only an estimated figure. Fares can vary according to airline, extra fees, number of stopovers, exchange rate fluctuations, ports of departure and return, and date of ticket purchase, etc.).

Online registration for pre-approved students begins:
October 9, 2012

Non-refundable deposit due at registration:
$525

Information Sessions:
Wednesday, September 5 at 4:15 p.m. in Sharp Building, 37 S. Wabash Ave., room 706