Open Engagement

Artist Jennifer Delos Reyes is the conceptual director of this innovative art project that will combine exhibitions and events with a conference about contemporary art issues. For this event, Regina will host over 70 national and international artists. A keynote address will be given by Harrell Fletcher whose internationally renowned work has helped to expand the notions of socially based art practices for over a decade.


The artists involved in Open Engagement challenge our traditional ideas of what art is and does. These artist’s projects mediate the contemporary frameworks of art as service, as social space, as activism, as interactions, and as relationships. This conference is situated in the space between theory and practice, where participants and audiences will also engage in artworks. The topics to be explored include: What would new relational models of artwork, theory, and writing look like? What is the social role of the artist? What happens when people really connect with each other or with art? What could we do in our daily lives to form meaningful connections and build communities? What should art do? Can art provide an alternative? Can art provide an answer?

Open Engagement: Art After Aesthetic