Abstract

This thesis is the study of "tam tam" 2000, an art project that was presented to the public attending the venue traditionally known as "tam tam," in the Mount Royal Park, during the summer of 2000. Through this art event, the public and the art educator united by a common interest, explored the art discourse and practice by painting on canvas during three consecutive Sunday sessions. The art educator invited the public to make Public Art by providing a framework consisting of canvas, paint, and themes related to socio-cultural issues of communal interest. With this project, the intention was to promote art as a vital social practice in order to motivate positive social change. Considerable pedagogical and logistical efforts were put into the making of "tam tam" 2000 in order to make the art experience entertaining, educational and meaningful. As a result of the interaction of the public, the site, art and the educator, the sessions produced three mural-like paintings. The event was documented on video and personal comments from the public were collected in a response book. Through the analysis of this documentation, this thesis examines the concept of Public Art as an important subject matter of art education.