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Alternatives in retrospect: the impact of alternative art spaces on the development of artists' careers

Wallner, Eric Walter

Abstract Details

1999, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Arts Policy and Administration.

The purpose of this study is to document the history of alternative arts spaces in the United States and their unique contribution to the ecology of the arts. The specific research questions addressed are: How have American alternative spaces evolved? What role do these alternative spaces play in the development of artists' careers? Utilizing a sociologically-based, qualitative approach, the methodology included key person interviews with three distinct constituencies of alternative spaces: 1) funders (both public and private); 2) executive directors and/or founders of these organizations; 3) emerging artists who have performed or exhibited in these spaces. Chapter One provides background information and an introduction to the research problem. Chapter Two contains an outline of methodologies, the scope of the research and researcher biases. Chapter Three provides a detailed review of the literature related to alternative spaces and the development of artists' careers. Chapter Four contains the "raw data" of the study, specifically interview transcripts. Chapter Five is a summary of the findings and conclusion.

For the purposes of this study, alternative spaces have been defined as "artists' organizations that are dedicated to advancing the contemporary arts, are committed to the payment of artists' fees and are non-profit. In these organizations, artists maintain an integral role in policy and program decision-making and are given full control of the presentation of their work." (National Association of Artists' Organizations)

Perhaps the most defining and central quality of an "alternative space" is the focus on meeting the artist on their own terms. Often regarded as the "research and development" arm of the culture industry (Jeffri, 1980), these organizations operate as laboratories for new ideas, where artists are given free reign to create and show work that is either deemed not ready or not conducive to being presented in conventional art venues such as museums, mainstream theaters or commercial galleries. The emphasis of their mission often reflects an interest in promoting artists' work in an unmediated environment, encouraging risk and innovation without regard to commercial pressures or traditionally elitist art world standards.

The collected data shows a clear correlation between the policies and practices of alternative spaces and the opportunities for artists to enter the "pipeline" for a career in the arts by providing both resources and opportunities to show their work.

James Hutchens, Dr. (Advisor)
Wayne Lawson, Dr. (Committee Member)
203 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wallner, E. W. (1999). Alternatives in retrospect: the impact of alternative art spaces on the development of artists' careers [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1300987487

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wallner, Eric. Alternatives in retrospect: the impact of alternative art spaces on the development of artists' careers. 1999. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1300987487.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wallner, Eric. "Alternatives in retrospect: the impact of alternative art spaces on the development of artists' careers." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 1999. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1300987487

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)