Care Aesthetics

What if the interactions created by artists, directors, dancers, or workshop facilitators were understood as works of care? Care Aesthetics examines the work of carer artists and artist carers to make the case for the importance of valuing and supporting aesthetically caring relations across multiple aspects of our lives.

James Thompson is Professor of Applied Theatre at the University of Manchester, where he has held senior roles, most recently as Vice President for Social Responsibility. He was the co-founder of the Theatre in Prisons and Probation Centre, the arts organisation, In Place of War, and has run arts projects in conflict zones internationally. He has written widely on applied theatre and the socially engaged arts.

Part 1: Care Aesthetics 1. What is the aesthetics of care aesthetics? 2. What is the care of care aesthetics? Part 2: Care Aesthetics in Practice 3. Careful Art 4. Artful Care Everyday Care Aesthetics