Cities and the Arts

Unit 1 – Urban Planning and Design

Unit 2 – Architecture Styles in Cities

Unit 3 – Public Art and Installations

Unit 4 – Street Art and Graffiti

Unit 5 – Museums and Galleries

Unit 6 – Performing Arts Venues

Unit 7 – Music Scenes and Urban Culture

Unit 8 – Literary Movements in Cities

Unit 9 – Urban Cinema: Film in City Landscapes

Unit 10 – Urban Photography

Unit 11 – Artistic Movements in Cities

Unit 12 – Cultural Districts & Creative Hubs

## What do you learn in Cities and the Arts

Explore the relationship between urban environments and artistic expression. Analyze how cities shape and inspire art, from architecture to street performances. Dive into various art movements influenced by urban life, examine public art installations, and study the cultural impact of artistic hubs within cities. Learn about urban planning, gentrification, and the role of museums in shaping city identities.

## Is Cities and the Arts hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not rocket science either. The course involves a mix of art history, urban studies, and cultural analysis, which can be challenging if you're new to these areas. The workload usually includes readings, essays, and maybe a project or two. Most students find it manageable if they stay on top of the material and engage with the topics.

## Tips for taking Cities and the Arts in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Take advantage of museum visits and city walks if offered
3. Create a visual timeline of art movements and their corresponding urban contexts
4. Watch documentaries like "Exit Through the Gift Shop" for street art insights
5. Read Jane Jacobs' "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" for urban planning perspective
6. Start a study group to discuss and debate urban art concepts
7. Keep a sketchbook or photo journal of local urban art you encounter

## Common pre-requisites for Cities and the Arts

1. Introduction to Art History: Covers major art movements, styles, and artists throughout history. Provides a foundation for understanding artistic expression and cultural contexts.

2. Urban Studies 101: Explores the development and structure of cities, including social, economic, and political factors. Offers insights into urban planning and city dynamics.

3. Cultural Anthropology: Examines human cultures and societies, including artistic expressions and urban life. Provides a framework for understanding the relationship between culture and urban environments.

## Classes similar to Cities and the Arts

1. Public Art and Urban Design: Focuses on the role of art in public spaces and its impact on urban landscapes. Explores the intersection of art, architecture, and city planning.

2. Street Art and Graffiti Culture: Delves into the history and significance of street art movements. Examines the relationship between urban environments and underground artistic expression.

3. Architecture and Urban Aesthetics: Studies the design and visual impact of buildings in urban settings. Analyzes how architectural styles shape city identities and influence urban art.

4. Urban Sociology: Investigates social interactions and structures within cities. Explores how urban environments influence cultural production and artistic communities.

5. Digital Media and the City: Examines the role of technology in shaping urban art and experiences. Covers topics like virtual reality cityscapes and digital public art installations.

## Majors related to Cities and the Arts

1. Urban Studies: Focuses on the complex dynamics of cities, including their social, economic, and cultural aspects. Students learn about urban planning, policy-making, and the role of art in shaping urban environments.

2. Art History: Explores the development of visual arts throughout history and across cultures. Students analyze artistic movements, techniques, and the societal contexts that influence art creation and reception.

3. Architecture: Combines artistic vision with technical skills to design buildings and urban spaces. Students learn about structural design, urban planning, and the integration of art and functionality in cityscapes.

4. Cultural Studies: Examines the production and consumption of culture in various contexts, including urban settings. Students analyze how art, media, and urban environments interact to shape cultural identities and experiences.

5. Sociology: Investigates social structures, interactions, and phenomena within societies. Students study urban communities, cultural production, and the role of art in social movements and urban transformations.

## What can you do with a degree in Cities and the Arts?

1. Urban Planner: Develops strategies for land use and designs urban spaces to improve community life. Urban planners often incorporate public art and cultural elements into their designs to enhance city aesthetics and functionality.

2. Museum Curator: Manages and organizes art collections, often focusing on urban-themed exhibitions. Curators research, select, and present artworks that reflect the relationship between cities and artistic expression.

3. Public Art Administrator: Oversees public art programs for cities or organizations. They coordinate with artists, city officials, and community members to implement art projects that enhance urban spaces.

4. Arts Grant Writer: Secures funding for urban art projects and cultural initiatives. They research opportunities, write proposals, and manage budgets to support artistic endeavors in cities.

5. Cultural Policy Advisor: Develops and implements policies related to arts and culture in urban settings. They work with government agencies or non-profits to promote and support artistic initiatives that benefit city residents.

## Cities and the Arts FAQs

1. How does this course relate to contemporary urban issues? The class explores current topics like gentrification, sustainability, and cultural diversity through the lens of urban art and design.

2. Are there any field trips or hands-on components? Many professors incorporate city walks, museum visits, or collaborative art projects to provide practical experience with course concepts.

3. Do I need to be an artist to take this class? No artistic skills are required, but an interest in both art and urban environments is helpful. The course focuses more on analysis and interpretation than art creation.

4. How does this course differ from a standard art history class? While it includes art history elements, this course specifically examines the relationship between art and urban contexts, rather than providing a broad overview of art movements.

5. Can this course help with my study abroad plans? Absolutely! The concepts you learn can enhance your understanding of art and architecture in foreign cities, making your study abroad experience richer and more insightful.

Art History

Anthropology

1.2 Zoning and land use

1.1 City layouts and grid systems

1.4 Green spaces and urban parks

1.3 Transportation infrastructure

1.5 Sustainable urban development

1.6 Smart cities and technology integration

1.7 Urban renewal and gentrification

1.8 Historic preservation in urban planning

2.2 Gothic architecture

2.1 Classical architecture

2.6 Art Nouveau

2.7 Art Deco

2.8 Modernist architecture

2.9 Postmodern architecture

2.10 Contemporary architecture

2.4 Baroque architecture

2.5 Neoclassical architecture

2.3 Renaissance architecture

3.1 Sculptures in urban spaces

3.2 Murals and wall paintings

3.5 Memorials and monuments

3.6 Environmental art in cities

3.7 Digital and new media public art

3.4 Temporary installations and pop-up art

3.3 Interactive public art

4.1 History of graffiti

4.2 Styles and techniques of street art

4.4 Street art festivals and events

4.5 Political and social messages in street art

4.6 Street art tourism

4.7 Conservation and preservation of street art

4.3 Legal and illegal street art

5.1 Types of museums in urban settings

5.3 Curating urban art collections

5.2 Museum architecture and design

5.4 Gallery districts and art walks

5.5 Museum education and community outreach

5.6 Digital museums and virtual exhibitions

5.7 Museum funding and sustainability

6.1 Theater architecture

6.2 Concert halls and music venues

6.3 Opera houses

6.4 Dance performance spaces

6.5 Multipurpose arts centers

6.6 Outdoor performance venues

6.7 Alternative and experimental performance spaces

7.1 Jazz and the city

7.2 Hip-hop and urban music

7.3 Electronic music and club culture

7.4 Indie and alternative music scenes

7.5 World music in urban contexts

7.6 Music festivals in cities

7.7 Music venues and their impact on neighborhoods

8.1 The Beat Generation

8.4 Postmodern urban literature

8.5 Spoken word and urban poetry

8.6 Literary cafes and salons

8.7 Cities as characters in literature

8.2 The Harlem Renaissance

8.3 Modernist literature and the city

9.1 Film noir and the city

9.2 New Wave cinema and urban landscapes

9.3 Contemporary urban filmmaking

9.4 Documentaries about city life

9.5 Cities as film production hubs

9.6 Urban film festivals

9.7 Movie theaters and cinema architecture

10.7 Social media and urban imagery

10.2 Architectural photography

10.6 Urban decay and ruin photography

10.3 Documentary urban photography

10.4 Night photography in cities

10.5 Aerial and drone urban photography

10.1 Street photography

11.1 Paris and Impressionism

11.2 New York and Abstract Expressionism

11.3 Berlin and Expressionism

11.4 Tokyo and contemporary art

11.5 Mexico City and Muralism

11.6 London and the Young British Artists

11.7 São Paulo and street art

12.1 Artist colonies and neighborhoods

12.2 Arts districts and their development

12.3 Creative industry clusters

12.4 Makerspaces and collaborative workshops

12.5 Cultural incubators and accelerators

12.6 Art markets and fairs

12.7 Urban cultural policies and support for the arts

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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