Public Social University began in 2008 as a collaborative project in Harrell Fletcher's Art & Social Practice class at Portland State University. The first three Public Social University events were loosely organized forums for idea and skill sharing at Portland’s Central Public Library. In 2009, Public Social University became the primary means of collaboration between multimedia artists and organizers Rozzell Medina and Judy Fleming. As such, Public Social University organized free/all ages events in Portland art galleries (mainly SEA Change Gallery): FOOD, WATER, APOCALYPSE, FRIENDSHIP, HEALING, ORAL HISTORY, and HOUSING PART ONE, presenting attendees with the best array of workshops, discussions, presentations and activities on the respective themes as possible. Culled from Portland's diverse and gifted community, artists, experts, and academicians alike volunteered their time, knowledge and energy. Additionally, Public Social University has installed exhibits in Portland's MK and White Galleries, organized a free/all-ages community event in San Francisco's Dolores Park, and won November's STOCK Grant.
A MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC SOCIAL UNIVERSITY ABOUT THE FUTURE
We have learned a lot from our presenters and enthusiasts, and like them, we are anxious to change and grow. In 2009, we focused the majority of our time, effort, and love on organizing themed free/all-ages events in art galleries. We still have several themes we want to explore via this format and variations thereof. We are also interested in making other kinds of great things happen and forming more partnerships with individuals and organizations empowering people to transform their lives and their communities.
We welcome your ideas, input, questions and collaboration. Our hope is that more and more people will make more and more free/all ages idea and skill sharing events happen as Public Social University Co-Curators /Organizers, or independently.
We are interested in communicating with people all over the world about what we can all do to make the way we teach, learn, and act more amazing.
