The citizen artist asks: what is a University?

A forthcoming research and theme based exhibition: The purpose of this project is to investigate and creatively respond to the problematic question of 'What is a University?' A team of students hired to work with Daphne Plessner under the banner of the Citizen Artist will collaborate on the compilation of research on the theme of an 'alternative university' and its systems of communication, investigating social and organisational models within contemporary political theory (institutional theory) and media studies. Following the research, the team of 'Citizen Artists' will act as curatorial co-ordinators, soliciting the wider student population in interventionist art/design projects with a view to mapping and challenging common conceptions, raising debates, discussion and soliciting creative responses to some of the problems that present themselves within the learning environment, seeking out alternative modes of engagement. A final exhibition will offer an overview of the teams' and the wider student bodies' creative work and their image and text based analysis.

Project proposal was submitted for the last round of grant applications at LCC (March, 2011): Pending results.

• http://www.plessner.co.uk/citizenartist/