Hilesh Patel

For spring 2023, the course in Digital Arts Administration will be curated around issues of Media Justice. In 2002, Malkia Devich Cyril, co-founder of the media Justice Network, helped coin the term “Media Justice”, and in 2019 declared that one significant goal of the Media Justice movement was to “fight for a future where we are all connected, represented and free.” Inspired by Malkia’s work, these are questions we will ask, together with invited guests and speakers who will contribute global and local perspectives: How can technology and design be decolonial, local and ethical? How do media literacy and technology education factor in the fight for social, political, and economic equality? How is Net Neutrality intertwined with racial, economic, and gender justice issues? What are the social implications and harms of artificial intelligence (algorithmic justice)? How do issues of Media Justice intersect with artistic practices? How do artistic and administrative digital practices relate to cultural policy processes? General Description: Arts Administration has increasingly intersected with topics in the digital realm, including copyright, archiving and data management, communication, education and access, in addition to displaying and maintaining the work by artists who work with electronic devices. Most recently, on-line platforms for museums and event venues have become crucial necessities. Technology rapidly changes, as do the needs it addresses and creates. For this reason, this topics class will choose a relevant area within Digital Arts Administration for each iteration. Course work will include readings and screenings, responses to presentations by invited experts, and an independent, individual or group research project appropriate to the annual topic of the course.