(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- The Arts Institute of Middlesex County presents a virtual lectured entitled, "Public Art: Changing Space, Changing Minds, and Commemorating History," on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 5:00pm.  The event is part of the “History Detectives” series and will take place on ZOOM. Dr. Diana Boros will share stories of public art projects-- both recent and historical, in spaces both near and far, in New Jersey and beyond-- that engage communities and create galleries outdoors.

Public art is a unique phenomenon as it is fundamentally inclusive and democratic-- it is free and in open space-- anyone and everyone can view and participate, each in their own way. It is perhaps the primary method by which to bring art to the people. Still, historically and in the contemporary era, urban centers have benefited most frequently from public art installations. Rural and suburban areas and communities are too often left out. Artists-- and their benefactors-- need to engage and support a variety of communities, so that the benefits of the art experience can reach more and more people.

Join the lecture to hear her discuss how art in our public places can tell stories, share experiences, spread awareness, revitalize neighborhoods, and commemorate historical moments and events. Click here to register.

About the Speaker: Diana Boros is Department Chair and Associate Professor of political theory in the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Political Science. Her research interests include the intersections of art and politics, such as public art as a tool of political intervention, as well as Critical Theory and the Frankfurt School, 20th century French philosophy, feminist political theory, and American political thought. She is particularly interested in how public artistic experiences, and inspiring, inclusive public spaces, can energize everyday life and strengthen democracy. Boros has published two books: Creative Rebellion for the Twenty-First Century: The Importance of Public and Interactive Art to Political Life in America (March 2012), and Re-Imagining Public Space: The Frankfurt School in the 21st Century (December 2014). While at SMCM, she has been awarded two prestigious honors: the Norton T. Dodge Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement by Junior Faculty, and the Faculty Student Life Award. Previously, she worked for the United States Senate, as well as for several state-level political campaigns, and was also adjunct professor of political science at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, where she taught courses in American political thought, the political theory of gender, and jurisprudence.

Funded by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of The Department of State.