Art is a potent language that can agitate, provoke, excite and motivate. Since the onset of Modernism through this contemporary moment, some artists have positioned themselves as agents of societal change. From Dada’s provocation against WWI to Ai Weiwei’s documentation of political oppression, from the street interventions of Banksy to Hans Haacke’s critiques of a corrupt and corrupted art world, artists have subtly and not so subtly challenged social boundaries, exposed injustice and pushed for change. We will look at the various methods and mechanisms that artists have used to activate change and celebrate a few whose work had lasting impact.

Kristin Poole has served as Artistic Director at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts since 1997 where she leads programming for the accredited museum whose multidisciplinary approach involves exploring topics of relevancy through visual art exhibitions, humanities lectures and seminars, music and theatre performances. A curator and art historian, Poole also develops exhibitions, lectures and writes on topics related to modernism, American Craft and contemporary art. Prior to joining the staff at the Center, Poole worked as an independent lecturer, consultant, and art historian. Previous experience includes: Director of Chicago International New Art Forms Exposition; Curatorial Assistant, Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago); and Director of Lill Street Gallery (Chicago). She holds an MA in Modern Art History from the University of Chicago and a BA in Studio Art and English from Denison University.