Socially Engaged Workshop for Arts Workers

‘Socially engaged art practices’, ‘creative recovery’ and ‘arts and health’ are increasingly becoming part of our contemporary art vocabulary. The growth in these types of practices raises important questions about how we support the delivery of these artworks with care and ethical considerations.

This workshop led by Vic McEwan and Sarah McEwan from the Cad Factory is for arts workers who are interested in supporting socially engaged projects within their organisations. Using a mix of presentations, case studies and group discussions, participants will gain a practical, theoretical and ethical background in socially engaged practices with the aim of supporting artists and communities in their region.

Please note: The Cad Factory has been delivering workshops for socially engaged artists over a number of years. This is the first workshop specifically designed for arts workers, developed in response to conversations with artists about what has and hasn’t worked in their experiences. Workshops tailored for artists will continue in 2026.

Schedule

9:45am – 10am Coffee and snacks

10am – 10:30am Welcome, Introductions, Overview

10:30am – 11:30am What is Socially Engaged Art? Examples from The Cad Factory exhibition. This session will be held in the gallery.

11:30am – 12:30pm Bringing together Care, Ethics and Aesthetics through socially engaged art. What challenges does this present?

12:30pm – 1:15pm Lunch

1:15pm – 2:15pm How can organisations better support socially engaged artists? Artist Reflections from the CASE Incubator Program

2:15pm – 3pm What are the challenges/opportunities within your context

3pm – 3:20pm Break

3:20pm – 4:30pm Questions, Final Reflections, Ways Forward