at the Bluecoat.

The Bluecoat announces philosopher in residence

• Nov 15, 2013
• in Creatives
• 0 Comments
• Phil Bridges

The Bluecoat has appointed Dr Panayiota Vassilopoulou from the University of Liverpool as their new philosopher in residence. 

The residency is believed to be the first of its kind by an arts centre in this country. 

Dr (Yiota) Vassilopoulou will join the Bluecoat team for a two-year period, running a series of lectures on aesthetics for beginners starting in January 2014. In partnership with the University of Liverpool’s lifelong learning programme, the lectures will allow attendees to gain formal University accreditation.

Mary Cloake, Chief Executive at the Bluecoat said: “This exciting residency has come about as a result of a dialogue between the Bluecoat and the University of Liverpool’s Philosophy Department. Together, we identified a shared interest in giving a wide range of people opportunities to engage with art and to reflect on its importance to everyday life.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dr Vassilopoulou to the Bluecoat’s team, and look forward to seeing the exciting results that will no doubt come about as a result of her residency.”

Dr Vassilopoulou said: “What fascinates me about art galleries that are located in city centres, is that they make us think about what distinguishes a work of art from other objects, and this is another way of asking, what is the value of art?  What is the difference between seeing something, often the very same object, as art when part of an exhibition, but as an ordinary object – a commodity - when in a shop window display? 

“It is a bold and important move on the part of the Bluecoat to introduce this residency programme. Residencies take us out of our familiar environments and habits and force us to reassess our own values. Contemporary life is riddled with crises, whether financial, environmental, or existential, but crises are a chance to reflect and change. This residency is not about popularising philosophy or theorising art, it is about exploring the mutual ways in which philosophical reflection and art can transform us.”

The residency has been funded through a creative partnership between the University of Liverpool and the Bluecoat.

 

 

Image: Maddy Bell

 

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